The Giants have won nine in a row, including the first two games of this series. But they are tempting fate. They won the series opener in extra innings and then nipped San Diego, 4-3, last night in the ninth inning when elite closer Josh Hader walked in the winning run.

Now the Giants are going the bullpen route with Ryan Walker serving as the opener of what will be a parade of relievers.

I'll take Yu Darvish and Hader on the backend knowing he won't lack motivation.

The Padres have stranded runners all season. That's continued in this series with San Diego leaving 18 baserunners in 19 innings.

I see that getting turned around here while Darvish provides the Padres a strong starting pitching edge.