The Padres lack of offense is getting downright offensive. In their past four games, all losses, the Friars have averaged just one run and a shade over five hits per contest.

Tuesday in Boston the Padres made John Lackey (6-5) look like the second coming of Pedro Martinez. The Red Sox starter, who had Tommy John surgery last year, gave up just one run in eight innings of work. Lackey's now won four straight and has a winning record for the first time since 2011.

Padres starter Robbie Erlin didn't fare as well. The rookie didn't make it out of the fourth inning. Erlin (1-1) gave up a bases loaded double to Brandon Snyder in that inning scoring three. It was the last pitch he would throw.

If not for a Jesus Guzman seventh inning homer the Padres would have been shut out for the second time in three games. The 4-1 loss in Boston was their fourth straight defeat. Luckily for the Friars the Diamondbacks keep losing. San Diego remains just two and a half games out of first place despite a 40-44 record.

The Padres and Red Sox continue their three game series Wednesday night in Boston.