Lopez vs. Padres Hitting<\/strong><\/p>\nRodrigo Lopez finished the first half of the season on a high note, winning three of four starts and not allowing more than two earned runs in any outing. His overall numbers aren\u2019t great (5-7, 4.40 ERA), but again that relates more to his slow start than how he\u2019s pitched over the past month. However a low strikeout rate, a penchant for walks and overall lack of dominating stuff makes Lopez a risk when\u00a0betting.<\/p>\n
The Padres, though, probably won\u2019t make it that tough on Lopez. Outside of Adrian Gonzalez there isn\u2019t really a credible and consistent offensive threat on the team. Guys like Chase Headley, Scott Hairston and Yorvit Torrealba can get hot at times, but never at the same time and never long enough to really establish themselves as a true powerhouse with the bat. Still, the Padres are in first place for a reason, and have a penchant for timely hits like no other team in the league.<\/p>\n
Richard vs. Diamondbacks Hitting<\/strong><\/p>\nClayton Richard has been one of the surprise stars in one of the major\u2019s best pitching staff. Richard\u2019s gone 6-4 with a 3.33 ERA this season, although he struggled going into the All-Star break. He\u2019s allowed 11 runs in his past 11 2\/3 innings, although his record stayed intact as both were no-decisions. Critics claim batters have begun to figure out how Richard pitches, but more realistically his arm got tired after pitching his first full half in the major leagues. The All-Star break couldn\u2019t have come at a better time.