PITTSBURGH (Interstat) — The Pittsburgh Pirates, off to one of the National League’s best starts, will open a three-game series against the San Diego Padres on Monday at PNC Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 46 degrees.

The Pirates (6-3) enter having won five of their last six, including an 8-2 victory over Baltimore on Sunday behind a strong start from right-hander Braxton Ashcraft. He struck out eight over six innings, allowing one earned run on four hits. Ashcraft (0-0, 2.25 ERA) is slated to start Monday’s series opener.

He will be opposed by San Diego right-hander Germán Márquez (0-1). The Padres (4-5) are coming off an 8-6 win at Boston on Sunday, powered by a three-hit, home-run performance from center fielder Jackson Merrill. The young outfielder is 8 for 32 (.250) with two home runs and six RBIs through nine games.

Pittsburgh’s offense has been potent early, averaging over five runs per game. Outfielder Ryan O’Hearn drove in four runs Sunday, while Oneil Cruz added a three-run homer.

Despite the Pirates’ hot start and home-field advantage, Interstat’s ELO rating system gives the Padres a slight edge, projecting a 55.6% probability to win. However, the same service’s game simulator predicts a 6-3 Pirates victory. The betting market lists Pittsburgh as a 1.5-run favorite with an over/under of 8 runs.

The series continues Tuesday and Wednesday before the Pirates head to Chicago for a weekend set with the Cubs. The Padres will return home after the series to begin a four-game set with Colorado on Thursday.