The Pittsburgh Pirates are on a roll, winning eight of their last nine with the lone loss coming against the San Diego Padres Friday night. I like the Padres chances of salvaging a split of this four-game set at Petco Park with another win tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Padres will hand the ball to Odrisamer Despaigne (2-3, 5.23 ERA) as he's coming off his best start on the year, when he went six scoreless innings scattering five hits in a 4-0 win in Anaheim. He'll be looking to carry that momentum with him home to Petco where he's struggled on the year, but his last home-start was a step forward as well when he held the Cubs to two runs and six hits in over six innings. Jeff Locke (3-2, 4.70 ERA) is also coming off a start of the scoreless variety when he conceded four hits in 5 2/3 innings against the Fish. He's struggled on the road all year long though, compiling a 8.10 ERA in three starts.

2. Batter versus Pitcher - There are plenty of Padres hitters with good success against Locke. Justin Upton is 3-for-7 with two homers and two walks and Matt Kemp 3-for-5 just to mention a few.

3. X-Factor - The Pirates have won just one of Locke's last seven starts as a road favorite.

Selection: This is a play on the San Diego Padres +1.5 (8*)