James Shields (8-5, 3.89 ERA) and Matt Wisler (5-2, 4.74 ERA) start in the second of a three-game series between the San Diego Padres (57-62) and the Atlanta Braves (53-65) at Petco Park. The Padres won the last game 5-3 and San Diego leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 10:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 18 and can be seen on SPSO and FSSD.
Shields pitched 6.1 innings in his most recent start, surrendering five runs, striking out seven and walking four in a 7-3 defeat to the Reds. Justin Upton (.256, 64 Rs, 20 HRs, 64 RBIs, 18 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 3 with one run. Wisler went 5.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out five and walking two in a 9-6 defeat to the Rays in his last outing. Cameron Maybin (.280, 52 Rs, 10 HRs, 52 RBIs, 18 SBs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI.
San Diego is a -175 favorite against Atlanta and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at seven runs. The Padres have an overall money line of -821 and a record as the favorite of 29-24. The Padres are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 310.
In games where it is the underdog, Atlanta has a 40-54 record and an overall money line of -94. The Braves have a dynamic offense, ranking second in the league with 282 extra base hits.
The Padres lead the season series, 3-2. The Padres have a 42-50 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Wisler takes the mound. Shields (RHP) will be on the hill against the Braves, who have a 45-51 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – SD, O/U – Over
Notes
The Padres are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Braves have a 21-39 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Padres are 9-45. The Braves have a 10-46 record when opponents outhit them.
Atlanta ranks at the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 74 this season. San Diego ranks in the bottom half at 19th with 104.
Ranking 13th, San Diego is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.15 per game. Atlanta ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.55.
San Diego and Atlanta both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. San Diego sits at 29th with an OPS of .674 and Atlanta ranks 28th with an OPS of .678.
When the Braves allow at least one home run, they are 20-45. When the Padres allow one or more homers, they have a 33-43 record.
