The Padres will look to avenge a loss in the series opener versus Houston in Game 2 in San Diego tonight. They are just two games back of the Dodgers in the AL West, and their roster acquisitions in the off-season appear to be paying off so far. I like the home team to get a little payback here on Tuesday.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Padres hand the ball to Tyson Ross, who's always been solid pitching at home. Ross (1-1, 3.97 ERA) allowed a pair of runs on six hits over five innings, no factoring in the decision in a loss at Colorado in his last appearance. He was 8-5 with a 1.88 ERA at PETCO last season, and the Padres have won both his home starts so far this season. The Astros will counter with Roberto Hernandez, who's still in search of his first victory.

2. Previous History - Hernandez hasn't impressed in recent seasons, and he was 0-2 with a 5.63 ERA in two starts against San Diego last year.

3. X-Factor - an Diego owned the major league's worst offense last season, but it currently leads the National League with 100 runs scored.

Selection: This is a play on the San Diego Padres(8*)