The set-up: The Padres fell into third place in the NL West after falling 9-3 at home to the lowly Marlins. San Diego will be eager to earn the series victory in the finale and to stay above the .500 mark at home for the season. The home side goes with Matt Strahm, while the visitors hand the ball to Trevor Richards.

The pitchers: Richards (2-5, 3.82) has looked decent over his last two starts, posting a 2.37 ERA, but previous to that he'd gone 0-5 with a 4.46 ERA over eight outings.

Strahm (2-4, 3.21 ERA) hasn't given up more than three earned runs in any of his past nine starts since giving up five runs in his first start of the year. Note that he has six quality starts over his last seven outings overall.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Miami is just 8-18 as a road dog this year, while SD is 14-8 (+7.5 units) in all day contests. I'm banking on a blowout from start to finish.

Padres

8* DESTRUCTION