Nationals, Padres hope to continue fast starts to second half

(Photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

The Washington Nationals will go for their fourth straight win when they open a three-game series against the visiting San Diego Padres on Tuesday.

Both teams scuffled into the All-Star break but bolted out of it. Washington had lost six of eight before the break and the Padres, who took two of three over the weekend, dropped six of seven.

Right-hander Randy Vasquez (2-5, 4.5