Dodgers looking to avoid a sixth straight loss

The Dodgers will be looking to snap their five-game losing streak on Saturday night when they send Ross Stripling to the mound in search of his first career victory. The team will be trying to avoid their first losing streak of six games or more since May 1-10, 2013 when they lost eight straight.

Stripling has pitched into the sixth inning in three of his four starts this year, including two quality starts. The 26-year-old has been hittable since not allowing a hit in his major league debut but has limited the opposition to three or less runs in all four games, giving the Dodgers a fighting chance.

Stripling has thrown at least five pitches in nearly half the batters he has faced thus far and been working on attacking hitters before going deep into the count.

"I have to find a way to start pitching more efficiently, and start getting guys out earlier in counts," Stripling said after his Monday start against the Marlins.

Colin Rea will take the ball for the Padres having pitched well over his last three starts. Since allowing five runs to the Rockies in 3 1/3 innings at Coors in his first start of the year, the right-hander has allowed three or less runs in 17 innings of work.

Rea has started one game in his career against the Dodgers, limiting them to two runs while striking out six in a no-decision. The right-hander also allowed a run in an inning of relief in the Dodgers 15-0 win opening day at Petco Park.

Dodger starting pitching has been fantastic against the Padres in 2016, allowing just one run in 26 innings while striking out 27 and walking only two.

The Dodger offense will look to get back on track after scoring just nine runs in the first five games on the homestand.