San Diego @ Arizona preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 8, 2011 ) San Diego 1, Arizona 4

THE STORY: The Arizona Diamondbacks are closing in on their first division title since 2007, and are looking more like a team that could go deep into the playoffs. Arizona has won a franchise-record 13 straight home games to move 7 1/2 games ahead of San Francisco with 18 to play. Friday they face the visiting San Diego Padres, who have lost 12 of their last 14 games.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, Channel 4SD, Fox Sports Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Mat Latos (7-13, 3.77 ERA) at Diamondbacks RH Daniel Hudson (15-9, 3.53 ERA)

Latos gave up two runs while striking out eight over seven innings in a win over the Rockies last Sunday. Latos, who has gone at least six innings in seven straight starts, is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in three career starts against Arizona.

Hudson, who allowed one run over seven innings against the Giants last Sunday, has won four of his last five starts, giving up two earned runs or less in the four wins. He is 3-1 with a 1.95 ERA in four career starts against the Padres.

ABOUT THE PADRES (62-82): If Heath Bell had been dealt to a contender at the trade deadline, he’d likely be collecting saves every other night and gearing up for the playoffs. Instead, he’s languishing in the Padres bullpen. He earned his 36th save on Wednesday in his first save opportunity in 13 games since Aug. 23. Bell has a 2.44 ERA, but his workload pales in comparison to relievers such as Atlanta’s Jonny Venters, who leads the majors with 75 game appearances this season. Bell has worked in 54 games, and he’s pitched just 12 times since July 31. Bell pitched 1 1/3 innings for the save on Wednesday, marking just the second time this season that he’s worked more than an inning.

ABOUT THE DIAMONDBACKS (83-61): Chris Young returned to the starting lineup Thursday after sitting two of the past three games. Young entered Thursday’s game batting just .147 with three home runs since the All-Star break, and hitting coach Don Baylor thinks a left thumb injury is to blame. Young has been playing with a strained ligament in his thumb, and he’s 1-for-27 in his past eight games after going 0-for-4 on Thursday. Young doesn’t believe the thumb is the source of his prolonged slump. Justin Upton left Thursday’s game in the seventh inning because of dehydration, but he’s expected to be available Friday. Catcher Miguel Montero extended his hitting streak to 16 games with an RBI single in the seventh inning Thursday, giving him the longest hit streak by a Diamondbacks catcher.

FINAL PITCH: The Diamondbacks will celebrate their 2001 World Series-winning team with events throughout the weekend. More than 30 former players, coaches and executives are expected.