The Cincinnati Reds continue their western road swing tonight as they begin a three game set with the Padres in San Diego. First pitch in this evening's series opener, which features a matchup between pitchers Edinson Volquez and Mat Latos, is scheduled for 10:05pm ET at Petco Park. MLB Odds and Predictions have the Padres listed as a slight -115 moneyline favorite and the Over/Under set at 6.5 (Over favored at -125).
The Reds fell to 6-3 yesterday with a 10-8 loss at Arizona. The setback gave the Diamondbacks a 2-1 series win and 
marked Cincinnati's first series loss of the young season. Despite the trip up in the desert, the Reds offense contined to produce good numbers as evidenced by the 16 runs they put up at Chase Field.
Cincinnati enters today's game ranked first in on-base percentage (.381), second in runs (61), second in batting average (.315), and fourth in hits (96). Given right hander Edinson Volquez' performance through two games, the Reds may need another offensive outburst tonight if they hope to extend their lead in the National League Central.
Volquez has yielded 12 hits, nine earned runs, and seven walks in 11 innings of work this season; however, the Reds are 2-0 in his two starts due to the 19 runs they posted on the scoreboard. The Dominican Republic native may have an easier go of it tonight at the pitcher friendly Petco Park. He has allowed just seven hits and three earned runs in 13.1 innings pitched at the stadium.
San Diego, which at 4-4 owns third place in the National League West, will counter Volquez with staff ace Mat Latos. The 23 year old Latos, who started the season on the DL with a shoulder issue, will be making his first appearance of the year.
Latos was brilliant in 31 starts last season, posting a 14-10 record with a 2.92 ERA and 1.08 WHIP (184.3 innings pitched). The Virginia native in 1-0 in one career outing against the Reds (July 2009); he gave up just one hit and one earned run (seven innings) in a 7-1 Padres win at the Great American Ball Park.
San Diego is 10-3 in its last 13 meetings with Cincinnati, five of those victories came at Petco Park (six games).
Reds vs Padres Odds 2011 MLB Predictions:
Cincinnati Reds +1.5 (-220), Over 6.5 (-125), -105 (Moneyline)
San Diego Padres -1.5 (+180), Under 6.5 (+105), -115 (Moneyline)
