The surging Washington Nationals took two of three from the MLB-leading Cubs in their last series and are coming to San Diego as winners of eight of their past 10 games. The San Diego Padres meanwhile had lost four straight before ending the skid with a 6-3 win against the Fish last night, but I think they'll find it hard to record back-to-back wins.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Padres hand the ball to Erik Johnson (0-3, 7.71) who will make his second start for the team since joining in the trade that sent James Shields to the White Sox. Johnson struggled in his first start for the club and surrendered five runs on nine hits in 4 2/3 innings of a 5-3 loss at Coors Field. Johnson has allowed at least four runs in each of his three starts this year and has already served up a total of seven homers. The Nats counter with Tanner Roark who is 2-0 with a 0.45 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against the Padres. The Nats have won each of his last three starts and Roark threw seven scoreless innings against the Phillies his last start.

2. Road Warriors - Washington has won 10 of its past 14 on the road and four of the past five meetings with the Padres at Petco Park.

3. X-Factor - The Padres' bullpen's ERA is more than one and a half higher than the Nats' which ranks among the top five in the major leagues.

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Nationals (8*)