Look for the Pirates to beat the Padres here in a pitching matchup of Ivan Nova versus rookie Dinelson Lamet.

Nova is a solid pro. This is an important game for the Pirates, who had been playing well until getting nipped by the Padres last night. Nova's last start came at Coors Field and he struggled just like many pitchers when throwing at the league's best offensive stadium.

Nova should fare much better against a much weaker offense and at the premier's pitcher's park in the league, Petco Park. I consider Nova to be a "B" level pitcher. Pittsburgh is 5-0 the past five times Nova has thrown on five days rest.

Lamet has intriguing potential, but he's not ready for the majors. Opponents have caught on to him. Lamet's ERA in his last three starts is 7.36.

The Padres are vulnerable in the bullpen, too, with new closer Brad Hand having pitched and gotten saves during the past three days. So he might be unavailable. Even if he's called on to pitch again, he'll carry a high fatigue rating. Hand is by far the Padres' best relief pitcher. He's also rumored to be on the trading block. The Padres' bullpen is thinned out with former closer Bradon Maurer traded to Kansas City.