Giants vs. Padres prediction and odds for Friday, Sept. 1 (Back Michael Wacha?)

The San Francisco Giants are looking to hold on to the final wild card spot in the National League, but they have to face a division opponent – the San Diego Padres – that could play spoiler on Friday night. 

The Padres are 8.5 games back of the final spot in the NL, but they could have a big September and potentially sneak in, although the odds suggest that it’s highly unlikely. 

San Diego sends veteran Michael Wacha to the mound in this game against Giants opener Tristan Beck. 

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Here’s how to bet on the Padres-Giants matchup: 

The Padres are favored in this game, and I think they’re the bet to make to win at home. 

The team has fared well in Wacha’s starts this season, going 12-6, and the Friars have won two of his three outings since he returned to the rotation earlier this month. In August, Wacha has a 2.87 ERA in three starts. 

Beck is going to get his second start of the season after allowing three runs in 4.1 innings of work in his last outing. The Giants have a good bullpen (3.82 ERA), but they are just one spot ahead of the Padres in bullpen ERA this season. 

Both teams are in the bottom half of the league in OPS over the last 15 days, so I really think the Padres have the advantage with Wacha on the mound. 

The veteran has allowed more than three runs in just four of his 18 starts this season. If he keeps that going, San Diego should be able to take this game. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's betting record here.