Pittsburgh at San Diego

After two decades of futility, the Pittsburgh Pirates have knocked on the door the past two seasons, only to fade in the second half. Things have changed as this club has matured into a bona fide title contender, and own a two-game lead in the hotly contested NL Central. The Pirates are winning the games they are supposed to with a 40-17 record vs. teams below .500. And after years of struggling on the road, they have a winning record away from Pittsburgh this season. San Diego has blown hot and cold this season, but the net deficit from the .500 mark is -14 at this point, and they are just 4-10 in their last 14 overall. The Padres are having trouble closing out a series as they are 3-13 in their last 16 in Game 3 of a series. Take Pittsburgh.