Going into Friday night’s game the San Diego Padres hoped for a turnaround to their recent stroke of misfortune. It was not to be, as the Friars dropped Game 1 to the New York Mets, 5-0.

It was a game full of lowlights, with Michael King surrendering four runs in six innings, while the Padres combined for a measly three hits against Christian Scott and company. They’ll face New York’s ace tonight with a much lower margin for error in a moment where they simply need a win.

The Padres have now gone a full week without winning a game (their last win came on May 29 against the Washington Nationals). The brown and gold simply need to show that they’re capable of outscoring an opponent. Once they do that, the wheels may start turning again.

Nolan McLean (NYM) v. Griffin Canning (SD)

McLean has looked like an ace despite not pitching like one. He had a rough start to the year before posting a 2.37 ERA in April. His last few starts haven’t been great, raising his ERA back to a modest 4.21 mark.

His one major advantage is that he’s yet to face the Friars. None of San Diego’s batters have faced the right-hander, so they’ll need to figure him out quick. McLean will be sure to rack up some strikeouts, recording 77 through 66 1/3 frames this year.

Canning has rebounded a bit but has not gotten any help. He’s been saddled with a 7.16 ERA but doesn’t deserve it (for the most part). Canning’s certainly been roughed up, but he’s kept the Friars in games. Since giving up six runs to the Milwaukee Brewers in just 1 2/3 innings, he’s allowed no more than three runs in each of his last three starts.

The righty has yet to face most of New York’s lineup, though Marcus Semien has faced him quite a lot (30 at-bats) after their shared time in the American League West. The second basemen owns a career .300 batting average and .856 OPS against Canning.

Batter up!

There’s not much good to say about last night’s lineup. The lone bright spot was catcher Rodolfo Durán walking in two of his three plate appearances. That should tell you everything you need to know about Friday’s loss.

1. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF

9. With the news that Ramón Laureano will likely be out for the remainder of the regular season, the Padres will be forced to tinker with their lineup a bit. Recent call-ups Jase Bowen and Samad Taylor will get some longer looks than they would have if Laureano was returning soon.

   After not pitching since last Friday’s win against the Nats, Mason Miller came into the ninth without a lead to protect for the first time this season. He followed a resurgent two innings from David Morgan and promptly gave up a run in 2/3 of an inning before Yuki Matsui pitched the final out.

   That leaves the Padres with plenty of options tonight. Morgan was called up last night after Jeremiah Estrada was sent to the injured list. That means Jason Adam, Ron Marinaccio, Adrian Morejon, Wandy Peralta and Bradgley Rodriguez will all be available out of the ‘pen.