Seeing brooms in the stands, both at home and away, has become commonplace for the Padres. On Wednesday the Friars hit two home runs (Kyle Blanks / Alexi Amarista), pounded out 17-hits at Camden Yards to sweep the short two game series against the Orioles. In their prior series the Padres were swept in Tampa Bay. In the series before that the Padres swept the Marlins at Petco Park.

Yes, it has been that kind of year for the 18-21 Padres. Here's the tally: Sweeps by the Padres at home-2. Sweeps by opponents at Petco Park-2. Sweeps by Padres on the road-2. Sweeps by opponents at their home-2. Series split-5.

The Friars return home for a three game series against the Nationals on Thursday. Former San Diego State pitcher Stephen Strasburg is the scheduled starter for Washington.