Padres Look to Extend Division Lead in Opener at Coors Field

DENVER (Interstat) — The National League West-leading San Diego Padres, riding a strong start and recent dominance over the Colorado Rockies, open a three-game series at Coors Field on Tuesday night.

The Padres (15-7) enter having won seven of their last eight games, including taking three of four from the Los Angeles Angels over the weekend. Their most recent victory was a 2-1 pitchers’ duel on Sunday, keyed by starter Michael King’s five shutout innings.

San Diego has owned the season series against Colorado (9-13), sweeping a four-game set at Petco Park from April 9-12 by a combined score of 28-12.

Right-hander Randy Vásquez (1-0) will take the mound for the Padres. The Rockies’ starter had not been announced as of Monday.

A player to watch for San Diego is King, who has been stellar in three of his last four outings, allowing two earned runs or fewer while striking out at least four. For Colorado, outfielder Mickey Moniak looks to stay hot after a 2-for-5 performance with a home run and three RBIs in Sunday’s 9-6 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Moniak also homered twice in a loss at San Diego on April 11.

The Rockies, who just took two of three from the Dodgers, will try to solve their division foes and gain ground in the standings.

According to Interstat, the Padres are projected as heavy favorites with a 72.2% probability to win, and its game simulator predicts an 8-3 San Diego victory.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. MDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 72 degrees.

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The series continues Wednesday and Thursday in Denver before the Padres travel to Arizona. The Rockies host the Padres again Wednesday before an off-day and a road trip to New York.