San Diego at Washington

This is a tough situational spot for San Diego, 3,000 miles from home with a losing road record. San Diego's offense is #18 in baseball in runs scored, and dead last in on-base percentage. The Padres are 2-6 on the road against a team with a winning record. The Padres are 1-5 in the last six starts made by James Shields, who has a 4.75 ERA on the road. The Padres are also 1-6 in his last seven road starts. While the 33-year-old Shields is struggling, Washington has a red-hot ace in Stephen Strasburg. He has been on fire since coming off the disabled list, going 2-1 with three earned runs allowed in 20 innings over his last three starts. The Nationals are 40-19 following an off day, as well as 41-20 at home against a team with a losing record. Strasburg is 4-1 against San Diego and the Padres are 2-5 in the last seven trips to Washington, so the home team holds all the cards. Play on Washington.