Greene, Kouzmanoff Cannot Lift Padres

Despite collecting 3 hits each out of the 5th and 6th spots in the order, Khalil Greene and Kevin Kouzmanoff didn't get enough support to power the Padres past the Dodgers. The 6-1 loss pushes the Padres 3.5 games back in the NL West and shrinks their lead to 2.5 games in the Wild Card over the Rockies, Dodgers and Phillies. Kouzmanoff has now gone 6 for his last 6 with pair of walks, giving him a season high .262. batting average. Mike Cameron may be due a day off after striking out 5 times - a career first; his inability to drive in a run was hardly unique Wednesday night with Adrian Gonzalez, Michael Barrett and Terrmel Sledge all coming to bat with at least 4 men on base with nary a productive at bat to show for it. For the umpteenth times in recent games, the Friars managed just a single extra base hit. To make matters worse, the Dodgers teed off on starter Justin Germano. He allowed 6 runs (5 earned) over 5 innings.

Tomorrow, the Padres will look to ultra-hot Greg Maddux to tame LA. The big question is which Padre offense will show up to play with him...