(AP) -- Runs have been difficult to come by for the Arizona Diamondbacks lately, but their starting pitchers - especially Brandon McCarthy - have been on top of their game.

McCarthy takes the mound Friday night when Arizona seeks its fourth victory in five tries against the visiting San Diego Padres and both teams look to avoid a third straight loss.

The Diamondbacks (26-21) have scored two runs or fewer seven times while going 5-6 over the last 11 games, including Wednesday's 4-1 loss to Colorado. They went 3-3 on their road trip, scoring 12 runs over the last five.