SAN DIEGO (Interstat) — The Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres open a three-game series Monday night at PETCO Park, with the host Padres looking to stop a slide and the Reds aiming to build on a strong individual performance from shortstop Matt McLain. Cincinnati (31-33) sends left-hander Andrew Abbott (4-3) to the mound. The Reds dropped the final two games of their weekend series in St. Louis, including a 5-3 loss Sunday. McLain went 2 for 4 with two home runs and two RBIs in that defeat. Over his past four games, McLain is 4 for 12 with three homers and four RBIs. San Diego (33-31) counters with right-hander Walker Buehler (3-3) after losing five of its last six games. The Padres fell 7-3 to the New York Mets on Sunday. Catcher Freddy Fermin went 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs in that game. Fermin has homered in two of his past three games, going 3 for 6 in that span with four RBIs. The Padres are installed as -1.5 favorites. The over/under is 7.5. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 3-1 Reds victory. Both teams are near .500 and looking for consistency. The Reds, who have lost six of their last nine, will try to steady their rotation behind Abbott. The Padres hope Buehler can help reverse a skid that has seen them score just eight runs in their last five losses. Following this series, the Reds travel home to host Arizona for three games starting Friday, then welcome the New York Mets for a three-game set next week. The Padres head to Baltimore for a weekend series beginning Friday, then visit St. Louis for three games.