Padres to keep offense humming vs. Brewers?
San Diego’s enthusiastic about venturing into uncharted territory, but can Milwaukee provide any resistance as the two squads square off tonight?
The Padres pursue a season-high third consecutive victory in the opener of a four-game set vs. the Brew Crew, with an 8:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Miller Park. Online sports book BetDSI nonetheless remains skeptical of the visitors’ chances, listing them as +120 underdogs. Conversely, Craig Counsell’s club enters as a 1.5-run favorite.
Not only did Andy Green’s players complete a doubleheader sweep yesterday, they accomplished the feat against the mighty Cubs. San Diego (15-20) claimed a 7-4 win in the matinee at Wrigley Field before catcher Christian Bethancourt’s solo blast ensured a 1-0 verdict in the second half of the twin bill. Rock-solid performances on the rubber limited Chicago to 13 base knocks across 18 frames.
Green obviously desires a similar effort from James Shields (1-5, 3.60 ERA) in several hours. While the veteran righty has been less susceptible to the gopher ball this year, he continues to receive some of the worst run support in the majors. Shields will face Milwaukee for the first time ever, and on the heels of a five-walk adventure with the Mets.
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The Brewers deploy Jimmy Nelson (4-2, 3.74), who allowed six runs in Saturday’s 13-7 triumph at Cincinnati. Nelson knows how to operate at home, however, going 7-2 with a 2.90 ERA in his past 12 assignments in the Badger State. He’ll likely receive considerable aid from the scorching bat of Ryan Braun. Milwaukee’s left fielder boasts a .465 average in the month’s first 10 contests.
In 2015, the Padres dropped five of their seven matchups with the Brewers. San Diego seems to be hitting its offensive stride at present, though, while Milwaukee (14-20) keeps floundering with men in scoring position. The NL West claims the battle in question.
THURSDAY MLB FREE PICK: PADRES +1.5
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