Shields puts unbeaten mark on line against D-backs

(SportsNetwork.com) - James Shields tries to remain undefeated on Friday when the San Diego Padres continue their four-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

Shields improved to 3-0 on Sunday against Colorado, but was not sharp, as he surrendered five runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. He did strike out seven batters without allowing a walk, but did give up three home runs and saw his ERA rise to 3.72.

He has faced the D-backs twice and is 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA.

Arizona, meanwhile, will turn to righty Jeremy Hellickson, who is 1-3 with a 5.20 ERA. Hellickson did not get a decision on Saturday in Los Angeles, as he held the Dodgers to three runs and six hits in 5 1/3 frames of his team's 6-4 loss.

Hellickson is 0-1 in two starts versus the Padres with a 7.43 ERA.

Arizona drew first blood in this series on Thursday, as Tuffy Gosewisch hit three doubles and drove in four runs, Rubby De La Rosa tossed seven scoreless innings and the Diamondbacks cruised to an 11-0 triumph.

Paul Goldschmidt hit a solo homer and finished with two RBI for the Diamondbacks, who pounded out 17 hits. Mark Trumbo hit a solo homer and scored twice.

"I think no matter what team you have, it just helps any time you get a lead," Goldschmidt said. "It relaxes probably our starting pitcher, relaxes the defense, takes a lot of pressure off the offense. I think we just had good at- bats all throughout the lineup from our leadoff all the way down to the eight- nine hole."

De La Rosa (3-2) gave up three hits while striking out seven and walking two.

San Diego starter Odrisamer Despaigne (2-1) allowed eight runs on 10 hits over five innings.

"It was sort of a Jekyll and Hyde game," Padres manager Bud Black said. "The starting pitcher plays such an important role every night. And I think tonight you saw their guy pitch really well and our guy not. I think that's as simple as you can put it."

San Diego took two of three from the Diamondbacks earlier in the season.