Pitching has been the key element for the Padres in their current run that has netted them a top spot in the National League West. Four of the five starters have ERAs under 3.50, and the staff continues to prove why it is considered one of the best in the league. Clayton Richard, who came over in last year's trade deadline deal for Jake Peavy, is leading the way with a 5-4 record and a 2.75 ERA. He joins Wade LeBlanc and Mat Latos as outstanding young pitchers who seem to have no place to go but up in their careers. Jon Garland continues to be the steady mound presence that he has been for the majority of his career, and his leadership will be needed once the postseason rolls around. The Padres pitching is too good while the Nationals hitting is substandard, which means that San Diego will get the free wager victory.

The main problem for Washington as of late has been their diminishing presence at the plate coupled with major problems in the starting rotation. The Nationals just do not have the kind of firepower at the back end of the rotation that is necessary to be a legit contender in a divisional race. On the season, the hitting hasn't been too poor for Washington, but recently provides a different story. Players like Willie Harris and Adam Kennedy have both struggled for far too much of the season so far, and they don't look like they will be coming out of their slump any time soon. You have to give credit to Adam Dunn. He still strikes out an inordinate amount of times, but this year, he leads all Nationals hitters with 17 HR and 49 RBI while hitting .271. If he continues like this for the next couple of weeks, he very well could be the Washington representative in the All-Star game. Dunn's hitting won't be enough for the Nationals in this game, however, as they will drop a free bet decision to San Diego.

While the Nationals played well initially at the start of the season, they have struggled as of late to maintain that respectability that they had when they were winning ball games. San Diego is a crafty team and knows how to take advantage of these weaknesses and use them to their advantage. Don't be afraid to take the Padres on the road, as this is the free wager selection of betsfreebets.com