T.M. Selection: San Diego Padres +1.5.

I like the San Diego Padres on the run line against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday. The Padres finally got a win yesterday snapping their 5 game losing streak and avoiding the sweep from these Giants. They scored 9 runs in that game which was needed from their offense as they have been falling lately and are currently not in a wildcard spot. They are on the outside looking in just 1 game behind the Cardinals and have a half game lead over the Reds. Pierce Johnson (3-3, 2.98 ERA) is starting for the Padres and this will be his 2nd start of the season as the Padres will be using the bullpen in this one. Kevin Gausman (14-5, 2.65 ERA) is up for the Giants and he has allowed 3 runs in each of his last 2 starts. I expect him to get beat up on the mound today now that the Padres have found their bats. This is a desperate team right now and will need to do everything they can making sure they win every game for the rest of the season if they want to see themselves in the postseason. I like them to win here or at least keep it close so I am on the run line in this one.

T.M. Prediction: 5-4 Padres.