Atlanta (23-15) at San Diego (23-16), 10:05 pm EDT

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- John Smoltz will try to continue his hot streak and cool off the surging San Diego Padres when he starts for the Atlanta Braves in the second of a three-game series Tuesday.

After getting hammered for seven runs in 1 2/3 innings in his first start of the season, Smoltz (3-3, 3.10 ERA) has posted a 2.07 ERA in his seven outings since. The righthander allowed four runs - three earned - and eight hits in eight innings Wednesday at hitter-friendly Coors Field but did not figure in Atlanta's 6-5 loss to the Colorado Rockies .

It was the longest outing of the season for Smoltz, the team's former closer who had his previous start limited to five innings due a back injury.

Smoltz will try to slow down the Padres, who have won five straight games and 14 of 16, including the series opener Monday.

Brian Giles , Phil Nevin and Ramon Hernandez delivered three hits apiece, including one each in a three-run eighth inning as San Diego rallied for its seventh consecutive victory at home, 5-3.

The Padres have made a habit of scoring late this season, outscoring the opposition, 83-27, after the seventh inning. They scored 10 in the seventh Sunday in a 12-4 triumph over the Florida Marlins .

Darrell May (0-0, 5.19) will make his second start of the season for the Padres. May was tagged for four runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings against the St. Louis Cardinals on May 6.

The lefthander made his 10th relief appearance last Tuesday, pitching a perfect inning in a 5-1 setback to Cincinnati Reds .