The set-up: The San Diego Padres visit Coors Field to open a three-game series with the Rockies, seeking a season-high fourth straight win. The 62-84 Padres own a three-game winning streak after "putting a hurt" on the Giants' playoff hopes with a sweep in San Francisco. The Rockies limp home after getting swept at Chase Field by the D'backs, losing all three games of that series by the combined scores of 34-19. Colorado pitchers allowed four or more runs in an inning five times and a total of 50 hits, including 10 HRs. Colorado starters allowed 25 hits and had a 10.22 ERA while working just 12 1/3 innings. Not to be outdone, Colorado relievers also allowed 25 hits and had an 11.57 ERA in 11 2/3 innings!

The pitching matchup: Christian Friedrich (5-10, 4.67 ERA) starts for the Padres and Tyler Chatwood (11-9, 3.82 ERA) goes for the Rockies. Friedrich was Colorado's first-round draft pick in 2008 but the Rockies moved him to the bullpen in 2014 and released him after last season when he pitched entirely in relief. Now, he makes his second consecutive start against his former team. Friedrich gave up two hits and one unearned run in six innings at Coors Field back on June 12, getting a no decision in a 2-1 Padres loss. He then gave up two hits in seven scoreless innings with one walk and a career-high tying 10 strikeouts in the Padres' 6-3 victory Saturday at San Diego, winning for the first time in 12 starts since June 23. Chatwood has a 3.82 ERA in 24 starts but it's just his second start since returning from the DL with a mid-back strain.

The pick: Chatwood broke a three-game losing streak by limiting the Padres to one run and five hits in 6 2/3 innings in a 4-1 win last Friday. Chatwood is 4-0 lifetime time with a 3.18 ERA in eight games (six starts / team is 5-1) against San Diego, including 3-0 with a 1.69 ERA versus the Padres this season, allowing 14 hits and striking out 14 in 21 1/3 innings. Colorado is an 8* play.