After taking two out of three from the Chicago White Sox over the weekend on the south side, the San Diego Padres return home tonight to open a 3-game set with the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park. The Brewers have clinched the NL Central and are on their way to finish the season with the best record in all of baseball. Will they put the brakes on for the final six games? It is very possible. On the other hand, the Padres have a magic number of two to secure a playoff spot and they will be extra motivated to get it done at home for their loyal fans. Tonight’s expected starters are two flamethrowers, with Freddy Peralta getting the nod for the Brewers and Nick Pivetta for the Padres. Peralta is 17-6 with a 2.65 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. Pivetta has similar numbers, at 13-5 with a 2.81 ERA and an outstanding WHIP of only 0.96. The Friars are tough at home with a record of 47-28. They are expected to get a boost to their lineup when Xander Bogaerts returns tonight at short. San Diego knows they can beat these guys and did so back in June, winning two out of three in Milwaukee.
TONIGHT’S PICK: SAN DIEGO PADRES