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Cubs-Padres Preview

May 23, 2009 - 7:02 AM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Chicago (21-18) at San Diego (19-22), 10:05 p.m. EDT

After struggling at Wrigley Field last week, the San Diego Padres' pitching staff has been absolutely dominant.

Looking to again take advantage of a lackluster offense, the surging Padres continue their three-game series with Chicago Cubs on Saturday night at Petco Park.

San Diego (20-22) will be trying to win eight straight for the first time since a nine-game run from April 30-May 8, 2006. The Padres' current streak follows a 4-19 stretch, including a three-game sweep by the Cubs (21-19) from May 12-14.

San Diego was outscored 23-9 in that series, with starting pitchers going 0-3 with an 8.16 ERA. Since then, the staff has allowed just 13 runs in seven games, and starters are 5-0 with a 2.35 ERA.

On Friday, Jake Peavy allowed two hits and struck out 10 over six innings of a 4-0 win. One day after he turned down a potential trade to the Chicago White Sox, Peavy became the latest pitcher to shut down the Cubs, who have lost a season-high five straight.

"I don't want to be a distraction for this team," said Peavy, who has full no-trade powers. "We're starting to get back on the right track and I am a member of this team right now."

Adrian Gonzalez hit his 16th homer, tying Philadelphia's Raul Ibanez for the major league lead.

Looking to shake up an offense that has scored two runs in the last four games, manager Lou Piniella did not start regulars Milton Bradley (.182), Mike Fontenot (.193) and Geovany Soto (.206). Chicago managed only five hits, though, and stranded 13.

The Cubs had the bases loaded in the ninth, but Derek Lee fouled out to end the game.

"We know that sooner or later we will come back and do what we are supposed to do," left fielder Alfonso Soriano said. "Every team has struggles, because it's a long season."

The Cubs now will hand the ball to Randy Wells (0-0, 0.00 ERA), who has not allowed a run in 11 innings during two starts this month.

Wells started while Carlos Zambrano was on the disabled list. Although Zambrano returned and took the loss in the opener, Wells remained with the team after Rich Harden was placed on the 15-day DL because of a mid-back strain .

"Wells has been doing a great job," Harden told the Cubs' official Web site. "I'm sure he's going to take over for me. We'll just be ready to go next road trip."

The rookie right-hander has given up nine hits and struck out nine over his two starts - a 3-2 loss to Milwaukee on May 8 and 5-4 defeat to Houston last Saturday.

Getting ready to make his first career appearance against the Cubs, struggling Josh Geer (0-1, 5.61) gets the call for San Diego.

The right-hander is 0-1 with a 10.38 ERA in his last two outings. He gave up five runs and five hits in 5 2-3 innings of a 6-5 16-inning win against Cincinnati last Saturday.