T.M. Selection: San Diego

Cease has been up and down but we know the long term with this pitcher. Valdez has been rocked in 2 of last 3 starts and really looks off. When you compare how these two teams are hitting early this season there is no comparison. San Diego has been the better team at the plate plus they have the bullpen edge and they also have the starting pitching edge here the way I see it. This all adds up to nice underdog value in this one and I will not pass it up. The Padres entered this series with a 15-4 record on the season. Now off B2B tight losses and looking to avoid the sweep, note that San Diego has yet to lose 3 straight this season. Also, Houston has won B2B games for the first time this season. That said, I certainly don't foresee them making it 3 straight. Valdez has been inconsistent and the Astros as a team have been inconsistent as well. Padres bounce back here.

T.M. Prediction: 5-3 San Diego