MLB THURSDAY PREVIEWS

The San Diego Padres return home from a successful road trip to begin a four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday. San Diego went 7-3 on its 10-game trek, winning each of its last five contests - including three against the Diamondbacks for its first three-game sweep in Arizona. The five-game winning streak is the Padres' longest of the season.

Cincinnati fell one game behind Pittsburgh in the National League Central as it suffered its third loss in four games Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Reds, who are out of first place in the division for the first time since May 23, are continuing their 11-game road trip during which they are 3-4. They could again be without third baseman Scott Rolen, who has missed four straight contests with lower back spasms.

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