The Padres were swept by the Cubs, and are heading home to the friendly confines of Petco Park. It is up to Yu Darvish to staunch the bleeding. Darvish is coming off his worst start of the year, allowing 4 runs in five innings and giving up an uncharacteristic 3 walks. For the season, he has been terrific; 5-1 with an era of 2.16.

Facing Darvish is Taijuan Walker. After missing a start with side tightness, he returned to pitch as well as he has all season. He has an era of 2.45 so far this year, and opposing batters have averaged sub.200 in his last 5 games.

The Mets’ bullpen has been strong over the last 8 games, with an era of 2.45. The Mets have been poor on the road this season. Their bats came to life in their last series against the Diamondbacks, but against Darvish and the strong Padres bullpen, they will not fare as well.

The Padres do many things well but with the exception of Tatis, raw power is not one of them. On that note, Tatis has missed a start and is listed as ‘day to day’.

The Wager: Two strong starters, two good bullpens, and the Mets’ ineptitude on the road make me believe this game will go Under.