The Cincinnati Reds began their season series against the San Diego Padres with a victory in Southern California.

They concluded the 2010 season series the same way, thanks to an offensive outburst against Clayton Richard.

Seeking a third straight win against the Padres, the Reds try to get the better of Richard again as the teams continue their three-game set Tuesday night.

Edinson Volquez allowed two runs in six innings while outfielders Jonny Gomes and Chris Heisey homered in Monday night's 3-2 win over San Diego (4-5).

Gomes' homer was his second in as many nights and gave him six RBIs in his last three games.

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The Reds (7-3) won despite tying a season low with five hits as the bullpen, which had compiled an 8.10 ERA over its previous 13 1-3 innings, threw three scoreless frames.

Cincinnati's offense was anything but quiet in a 12-2 victory at PETCO Park on Sept. 26 last season, as Richard (1-0, 3.86 ERA) allowed a home season-high six runs over five innings. It was his first decision in three career starts versus the Reds.

Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips homered in that contest, while Jay Bruce is 3 for 5 with two doubles lifetime off the San Diego left-hander.

After beating St. Louis on April 2 in his season debut, Richard pitched just one inning due to a lengthy rain delay in Friday's 11-inning, 4-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He'll be opposed Tuesday by Cincinnati's Sam LeCure (0-0, 3.00). The right-hander made his first start of the season Thursday, limiting Houston to two runs and three hits while striking out six over five innings, but leaving without a decision in the Reds' 3-2 loss.

LeCure is 1-4 - including four straight losses - with a 4.70 ERA in seven career starts. He has never faced the Padres.

Monday's loss was the fourth in five games for San Diego following a 3-1 start. Outfielder Ryan Ludwick went 0 for 3, and is 1 for 22 in his last six games.

Catcher Nick Hundley also went 0 for 3, but it was his first hitless effort of the season. Hundley has two homers, seven RBIs and a .393 average.

"Nick is seeing the ball great and taking good, aggressive swings," Padres manager Bud Black told the team's official website. "He is getting in good counts."

Meanwhile, Cincinnati leadoff hitter Drew Stubbs was held out of the lineup for the series opener due to a 1-for-17 slump.

"(Stubbs) is missing pitches, getting up in the air a little bit too much," manager Dusty Baker told the Reds' official website. "He needs to observe and simplify things. When you're a smart person like he is, sometimes you think too much.

"Sometimes in this game, it's better to have the ability to not think at all. He's a smart young man. Consequently, you're always trying to figure something out. He'll be fine."

Stubbs is likely to be back in the lineup Tuesday.