Philadelphia @ San Diego preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 7, 2015 ) Philadelphia 4, San Diego 3

The Philadelphia Phillies put on a power show to win the series opener and look to knock off the host San Diego Padres again Saturday. Philadelphia blasted four solo homers, including Cameron Rupp's decisive blast in the 12th inning, to post a 4-3 victory in Friday's opener of the three-game set for their 14th win in 19 games since the All-Star break.

Domonic Brown, Ryan Howard and Cody Asche also hit solo shots on a night in which veteran second baseman Chase Utley returned to the Phillies' lineup and went 1-for-5. The 36-year-old Utley, who batted in the leadoff spot, had been sidelined since June 23 due to an ankle injury and is batting just .179. San Diego is quickly falling out of the National League wild-card race with fourth straight losses and five in six games. The Padres are nine games behind the Chicago Cubs for the second wild card.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies LH Adam Morgan (2-3, 4.46 ERA) vs. Padres RH Tyson Ross (8-8, 3.37)

Morgan lost to Atlanta in his last outing when he gave up four runs and seven hits in five innings. He has struck out just 10 over his past five starts after combining for 11 in his first two major-league outings. Morgan is 1-2 with a 4.76 ERA on the road and has allowed five homers in 17 innings.

Ross has won back-to-back starts and five of his last six decisions. He has served up just one homer over his last 18 starts and four overall. Ross is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against the Phillies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres 2B Jedd Gyorko, who struck out with two runners on to end Friday's game, is 1-for-13 over the past three contests.

2. Philadelphia 3B Maikel Franco was hitless in four at-bats in the opener to snap an eight-game hitting streak.

3. San Diego RF Matt Kemp is 6-for-30 over his past eight games and hasn't homered since July 24.

PREDICTION: Padres 3, Phillies 1