The San Diego Padres defeated the Washington Nationals 8-3 in Thursday's opener of a four-game set at Petco Park. The hosts are going for a fifth consecutive home victory Friday night, and I like their chances.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - San Diego will hand the ball to Odrisamer Despaigne (2-1 , 5.13 ERA) who was hit hard his last start on May 7 when he allowed eight runs on 10 hits over five innings in an 11-0 loss to Arizona. He's been much sharper home at Petco though where he's 1-0 with a 3.14 ERA on the year and he was 3-10 with a 1.83 ERA over eight starts home in San Diego in his debut season last year. The Nats will counter with Jordan Zimmerman (2-2, 4.20 ERA) who has struggled in virtually all of his three road-starts on the season, conceding 14 runs (12 earned) on 23 hits over 15 1/3 innings. The Padres hammered Doug Fister for seven runs in just two innings yesterday and finished the game with 13 hits so Zimmerman better watch out.

2. Home Cookin' - Last night's game didn't start until two hours after scheduled time and the it was not concluded until late in the night. This should favor the home-team and remember that the Padres have won each of Despaigne's last five home starts.

3. X-Factor - Cory Spangenberg homered twice yesterday and is 9-for-25 over his last eight games for the Padres. He will face Zimmerman for the first time in his career tonight.

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