One of the reasons for the Padres’ solid start is that they have already faced the 3-14 Reds 4 times, winning all four and outscoring them 26-9. Fifth time out, the Padres face Gutierrez. He has 3 previous starts, pitching just 8 innings total to an inflated ERA. He also has as many walks as strikeouts to date.

Promising lefty rookie Gore starts for San Diego. This will be his third start of the season. The two previous outings were very positive. He shut out the Reds over 5 innings in his last time out.

The Reds’ bull pen is not as bad as the other aspects of their game, but the edge still goes to San Diego in relief. San Diego has a sizable advantage on offense. Eric Hosmer is flirting with .400 at the moment. The Reds are dead last in offense, 1-5 at home, and 1-5 vs left handed pitching.

Look for the Padres to make it five straight over Cincinnati. Padres to win outright.