The San Diego Padres (17-30) and New York Mets (25-21) continue a National League series on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET.
Las Vegas oddsmakers have established the Mets as -160 home favorites, while the total has remained at its opening number of 7.5.
New York came away with a 6-1 win over San Diego in the second game of the series on Friday night, picking up their third victory in four games. The Mets moved their record to 15-9 against the Padres at home since 2005.
Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana (1-2, 3.24 ERA) will be trying to win his first start since May 5, as he’s failed to earn a decision in his last three outings. He has been bitten by the long ball of late, serving up one home run in his last four starts, after not allowing a long ball in his first five appearances.
The left-hander has garnered a 2-3 record and 2.47 ERA in seven career starts versus the Padres, issuing 20 walks and striking out 30 in 47.1 combined innings.
The Mets are 5-0 in Santana’s last five starts versus NL West teams, while the “under” is 5-1-1 in his last seven home starts.
Clayton Richard (2-5, 4.63 ERA) hasn’t fared very well away from San Diego this year, posting an 0-3 record and 6.68 ERA in five road starts, as opposing hitters have hit .305 against him. He didn’t factor into the decision of a 4-3 setback on the road to the St. Louis Cardinals last time out, allowing two runs and even hits over 7.1 frames.
In three career starts versus the Mets, Richard has gone 1-0 with a 2.41 ERA, issuing nine walks and picking up 16 strikeouts in 18.2 combined innings.
The Padres are 5-23 in their last 28 road games against left-handed starters, with the “under” going 4-1 in the last five games in that situation.
Weather forecasts suggest scattered thunderstorms and game-time temperatures in the low 80s, with a 5-10 mph breeze out of the southwest.
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