1* Free Play Padres.

The Padres have been very good at home lately and I think they ultimately earn a victory in this matchup with the Rockies. Colorado sends Tyler Matzek (6-10, 4.19 ERA) to the hill, who would surrender 11 hits but managed to hold the Dodgers to two runs over 5 1/3 innings in a win in his last outing. Note though that the lefty is 1-2 with a 4.29 ERA lifetime against the Padres and is just 2-6 with a pedestrian 4.70 ERA on the road this season. San Diego counters with left-hander Eric Stults (7-17, 4.59 ERA) who is 3-2 with a 3.97 ERA in 68 innings pitched versus the Rockies lifetime; note that the Friars are 8-3 in games started by Stults against the Rockies. Both these teams come in hot but I think the Padres have the advantage; yes the Rockies have been hot in winning six in a row at home but remember, they lost six straight away from friendly confines before the skein. San Diego has won six of seven so far on this home stand after a three game sweep of the San Francisco Giants and is a strong 46-32 at Petco Park this season (it doesn't come as any surprise to learn that the Rockies are one of the worst road teams in all of baseball with a 20-55). Additionally, the Padres are 5-2 when hosting the Rockies the last three seasons. I think the home side is worth the price of admission in this spot.

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