Arizona @ San Diego preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 21, 2015 ) San Diego 2, Arizona 7

Tyson Ross recorded his top outing of the season against Arizona six days ago and looks to equal it when the San Diego Padres open a three-game series against the visiting Diamondbacks on Friday. Ross allowed one run and four hits and tied a season best with nine strikeouts in his first complete game of the campaign as the Padres routed Arizona 8-1 last Saturday.

Ross had lost four of five decisions before the superb effort and is hoping to regain the form that earned him an All-Star spot in 2014. San Diego dropped eight of its last 11 games and allowed 19 runs while losing the final two contests of a three-game set against San Francisco that concluded on Thursday. The Diamondbacks (35-37) lost 6-4 to the Colorado Rockies on Thursday to mark the 11th consecutive time they were defeated when having a chance to reach .500. Arizona is in third place in the National League West and resides 1 1/2 games ahead of the Padres.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, FSN San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (2-2, 1.78 ERA) vs. Padres RH Tyson Ross (4-7, 3.61)

Ray lost to Ross and the Padres on Saturday when he allowed four runs (three earned) and six hits in 5 2/3 innings. He has been spectacular in three road starts, going 2-1 with a 1.37 ERA. Ray has given up just six earned runs in five big-league outings this season.

Ross also pitched against Arizona on May 9 and received a no-decision after allowing two runs and five hits over six innings. He is 3-3 with a 2.73 ERA in 11 career outings (10 starts) against the Diamondbacks. Ross has struggled with Arizona slugger Paul Goldschmidt, who is 7-for-20 with two homers against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Diamondbacks and Padres have split 10 meetings this season.

2. San Diego LF Matt Kemp hit his fifth homer of the season on Thursday -- four coming since June 5.

3. Arizona 3B Aaron Hill is 5-for-30 over his last 11 games.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Padres 1