It's a day game at Petco, meaning the ball will be traveling for once in
what has been labeled as a pitcher's park since its opening. In 2005,
day games have averaged a total of four runs more (10.1) than at
night (6.1). This significant difference is bad news for soft-tossing
righty Brian Lawrence, who is already a 1-3 in day games with a
horrid 10.80 ERA. In four starts with the sun up, he has lasted only
16.2 innings, allowing 30 hits. The Padres' fortunes have not been
much better in the daytime (11-12 overall, 4-4 at home). Elmer
Dessens has been excellent since coming to LA last year and
made an impressive on the road versus the White Sox in his
first game back from the DL, giving up just two hits and an unearned
run in six innings pitched.