Bill Center, longtime sportswriter for U-T San Diego, is an employee of the Padres.
Coming off their most successful homestand of the season, the Padres Friday embark upon something that can only be called a journey.
     
Seventeen of the Padres next 19 games are on the road - a 10-game road trip followed by two home games against the Oakland A's (June 19-20) followed by seven more games on the road. The journey opens with a series in Miami, St. Louis and then back east to Atlanta before returning home.
     
The Padres have actually played better away from Petco Park this season (13-15) than in their downtown home (16-20). My compilation of their "home" record includes the three games in Monterrey, Mexico, that are officially regarded as Padres home games.
     
In another strange twist to the Padres season . . .
     
Before defeating Atlanta Monday night, the Padres had lost the opening game in 11 straight series dating back to April 27. But their overall record since April 27 is 20-17.
     
NOTEBOOK:
     
--INF Cory Spangenberg is having quite a week. Since Sunday, Spangenberg is 5-for-14 (.357) with his first two triples triples of the season, two homers, four RBIs and four runs scored for a 1.071 slugging percentage and a 2.142 OPS. And in addition to playing second and third, Spangenberg also pitched an inning Tuesday night against Atlanta - allowing a run on two hits and a walk in an inning. He homered in consecutive games for the second time this season. Spangenberg has hit safely in 10 of 12 career games against Atlanta.
     
--OF Hunter Renfroe is 9-for-25 (.360) in nine games since coming off the disabled list with three doubles, a home run, seven RBIs and five runs scored. He has also drawn four walks for a .448 on-base percentage and a .600 slugging percentage for a 1.048 OPS.
     
--RF Franmil Reyes has five homers in his last eight games while going 9-for-26 (.346) with six RBI and seven runs scored. During the run, he has also drawn two walks for a .393 on-base percentage, a .923 slugging percentage and a 1.316 OPS.
     
--2B Jose Pirela is 4-for 12 in a three-game hitting streak against Atlanta with his 16th double, a RBI and two runs scored. He is tied for sixth in the National League in doubles.