The Colorado Rockies wrapped up the first half of the season with a four-game sweep of Atlanta, and I think they'll keep that momentum going when visiting the San Diego Padres for the opener of a three-game set at Petco Park late Friday night.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Padres hand the ball to James Shields (7-3, 4.01 ERA) who's had a rather disappointing first half to his first season with the Friars. He was an undefeated 7-0 during his first 12 starts for the club but is 0-3 with a 4.79 ERA in his last seven. This will be his third start against the Rockies on the year and he's already conceded eight runs on 15 hits with four homers over 11 1/3 innings of work against Colorado who will counter with Jorge De La Rosa (6-3, 4.34 ERA). The 34 year old southpaw has struggled against the Padres of late and has conceded 10 earned runs over seven innings of work against San Diego this season. He's coming in red hot though going 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA in his last four starts and I think the smart money is backing De La Rosa on the road where he's 4-1 with a 1.67 ERA in five starts for the year.

2. Home Woes - The Padres have lost seven of their last 10 home at Petco Park and they've lost six of the last eight when facing De La Rosa home in San Diego.

3. X-Factor - The current members of the Rockies have a combined batting average of .313 over 154 at bats against Shields with the red hot Nolan Arenado going 7-for-11 with three homers.

Selection: This is a play on the Colorado Rockies +1.5 (8*)