Tom Stryker’s Free MLB Play September 3rd

#962 PADRES with Cortes (-157) over Orioles with Povich at 4:10 PM EST
The San Diego Padres are seeking to end their recent downturn, having lost three consecutive games and five of their last six. Currently 2.5 games behind in the National League West division race, this matchup offers manager Mike Shildt’s team an important opportunity to remain competitive.

Veteran left-hander Nestor Cortes will get the nod for the Padres. In his five starts this August, Cortes has allowed 10 earned runs and 22 hits across 24 innings, recording 19 strikeouts against 10 walks, resulting in a 1-2 record and a 3.75 ERA. Over his career, Cortes has appeared in 142 games (93 starts), posting a 35-24 record and a 3.87 earned run average through 600 innings.

Cade Povich, a young left-hander, is set to start for Baltimore. So far in 2025, Povich has pitched in 18 games (16 starts), conceding 51 earned runs and 98 hits in 91 innings. He has tallied 100 strikeouts with 32 walks, holding a 2-7 record and a 5.04 ERA. Across 34 career appearances (32 starts), Povich has posted a 5-16 record and a 5.12 ERA in 170.2 innings.

Recent trends support San Diego in this matchup. The Padres have won 43 of their previous 67 home games, 47 of their last 75 against teams with sub-.500 records, and 34 of their last 62 following a loss. In contrast, the Orioles have lost 48 of their last 81 night games, 23 of their last 41 against National League opponents, and 39 of their last 71 road contests.

With the season nearing its conclusion, the Padres face a critical situation and cannot afford another series defeat to the Orioles. Take San Diego with Cortes. Thanks and best of luck, Tom.

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