Two clubs in the thick of a divisional race are set to meet on Saturday. The Athletics (26-25) currently sit atop the uninspiring AL West. They’ll attempt to bolster their division lead against one of the National League’s best squads. San Diego (30-20) needs every win it can get to keep pace with the defending champion Dodgers. Will the Padres clinch a series win this evening?

The A’s are favorites (-118) over the Padres, with the over/under set at eight runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Saturday’s interleague showdown between the A’s and San Diego on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Athletics vs. Padres prediction, preview

The biggest reason why the A’s enter this one as favorites is J.T. Ginn. The third-year pro has emerged as the ace of an otherwise uninspiring pitching staff. Through 11 outings (eight starts), he’s recorded a 2.98 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 44 strikeouts (7.7 K/9). Most recently, the right-hander took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Angels. Ginn has allowed three earned runs over his previous 22.0 innings of work (1.23 ERA).

Ginn has done well in spite of middling stuff; he’s never been much of a strikeout artist. Rather, the 27-year-old generates most of his outs with weak contact. A 33.6% hard-hit rate and 48.6% ground ball rate both rank within the top 73rd percentile of all qualified pitchers. The righty heavily utilizes the sinker (37%). This season, Padres batters have notched a .264 batting average, .322 on-base percentage and .401 slugging percentage against that pitch.

Getting the bats going has been a challenge for San Diego. That’s especially true for face of the franchise Fernando Tatis, still without his first home run of the season. Through 49 games, the outfielder is slashing .240/.316/.279 at the plate. Still, it’s not just him. Big names such as Manny Machado (77 wRC+) and Jackson Merrill (70 wRC+) have also disappointed. As a unit, the Padres are tied for the fifth-lowest OPS against right-handed pitching (.678).

As for the home team, it’ll be Lucas Giolito making his second start of the season. A midseason signing, the former All-Star could play a major role for San Diego down the stretch. However, it’s reasonable to expect a bit of rust. During his team debut last Sunday, the 31-year-old tossed five innings of three-run ball vs. Seattle. He only allowed one hit and three walks against the Mariners as well. During 26 starts with Boston last season, Giolito put up a 3.41 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 121 strikeouts (7.5 K/9).

Navigating this Athletics lineup could prove difficult on Saturday. The A’s are 11th in runs scored (227), eighth in slugging (.396) and sixth in on-base percentage (.329). Despite rostering several subpar hitters, this offense has been carried by some of the sport’s best. Catcher Shea Langeliers leads the team with a .314 batting average, in addition to 12 homers and 27 RBIs. Reigning AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz leads the Junior Circuit with a .443 on-base percentage. The biggest surprise on the roster has been Carlos Cortes; he’s notched a .345/.421/.534 slash line in addition to eight homers and 30 RBIs.

Athletics vs. Padres pick, best bet

Giolito has struggled with command, recording a career 3.4 BB/9. That could put him in a jam against an A’s squad that loves working the count. In comparison, the Padres have looked off at the plate for most of May. Ginn, on quite the hot streak as of late, should take advantage at pitcher-friendly Petco Park.

Best Bet: Athletics ML (-118)