Cubs-Padres series preview

The Cubs will try to continue their success against bad teams when they start a three-game series Monday night in San Diego.

The Padres (49-70) are 21-1/2 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West, and only the Nationals and Pirates have worse records in the National League. However, the Padres are 30-30 at home this season and 19-40 on the road.

The Cubs (60-55) disposed of the lowly Pirates with two wins this weekend before a rainout postponed Sunday's series finale. The Cubs sit five games behind the first-place Cardinals with 47 games remaining in the regular season.

Wins have not come easily to the Cubs on the road, regardless of their opponent. The Padres swept the Cubs in Petco Park from May 22 to 24, and the Cubs are 25-33 away from Wrigley Field this season.

Aramis Ramirez and Milton Bradley have enjoyed the most success of any Cubs hitters at San Diego's pitcher-friendly Petco Park. Ramirez has hit .314 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in 70 at-bats in San Diego, while Bradley has hit .271 with eight home runs and 19 RBIs in 129 at-bats.

Cubs hitters who have struggled most in San Diego include Geovany Soto, who is 2-for-15 (.133), and Ryan Theriot, who is 6-for-33 (.182). Theriot likely will miss Monday's series opener because of a stomach flu that kept him away from Wrigley Field on Sunday.

Here is a look at the probable pitching matchups for the series. All games will be broadcast on the radio at WGN-AM 720.

Monday: 9:05 p.m., WCIU
LHP Ted Lilly (9-7, 3.59) vs. RHP Kevin Correia (8-9, 4.51)

Tuesday: 9:05 p.m., WGN
RHP Ryan Dempster (6-6, 4.23) vs. RHP Cesar Carrillo (0-1, 30.86)

Wednesday: 9:05 p.m., CSN
RHP Randy Wells (9-5, 3.01) vs. Mat Latos (4-2, 4.01)

After San Diego, the Cubs will travel north to Los Angeles for a four-game series against the Dodgers.

-Tom Musick