Bill Center, longtime sportswriter for U-T San Diego, is an employee of the Padres.It is a minute sample size, but it is still worth a look.Over the past three games, a trio of rookie Padres starting pitchers have allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and four walks, with

Bill Center, longtime sportswriter for U-T San Diego, is an employee of the Padres.

It is a minute sample size, but it is still worth a look.

Over the past three games, a trio of rookie Padres starting pitchers have allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and four walks, with 11 strikeouts in 20 innings.

Over the three starts, right-hander Jacob Nix and left-handers Joey Lucchesi and Eric Lauer posted a 0.90 earned run average and a 0.90 WHIP. Opponents hit .189 against the trio, with a .241 on-base percentage and a .311 slugging percentage for a .552 OPS.

Nix got it going Tuesday night when he held the Mariners scoreless for 8 1/3 innings before Nelson Cruz hit a solo homer. Nix finished allowing only the one run on eight hits in 8 1/3 innings, without issuing a walk or striking out a hitter. Nix, 22, lowered his earned run average to 4.05, while evening his record at 2-2 after four career starts.

On Wednesday, Lucchesi, 25, allowed one run on six hits and two walks, with nine strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings. He now has a 7-7 record, with a 3.59 ERA in 21 starts.

Lauer, 23, came off the disabled list Thursday night to hold the playoff-contending Rockies -- who have feasted on left-handed pitching this season -- hitless over five innings. Lauer gave up an unearned run on two hits and two walks, lowering his ERA to 5.01.