The NL West rivals square off on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as the San Francisco Giants visit the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 PM ET with the Giants starting Landen Roupp and the Padres countering with JP Sears. This game carries weight in the Wild Card standings as both clubs fight to stay in contention.
San Francisco Giants Outlook
The Giants enter this matchup looking for stability from their young starter, Landen Roupp. With a deceptive delivery and developing arsenal, Roupp has shown flashes of promise but is still working on consistency against tough lineups. San Francisco’s offense remains centered around Michael Conforto, Thairo Estrada, and Matt Chapman, who have provided solid run production. If the Giants can jump on Sears early, it could ease the pressure on Roupp.
Defensively, San Francisco has been steady, but the bullpen has been taxed recently, making a quality start from Roupp all the more critical.
San Diego Padres Outlook
The Padres look to JP Sears, who brings a fastball-slider combo that can miss bats but sometimes struggles with command. San Diego’s offense has the firepower to back him up, led by Fernando Tatís Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts. At Petco Park, the Padres have played with confidence, using their mix of power and small-ball execution to keep pressure on opponents.
If Sears can avoid the long ball, San Diego’s offense and bullpen depth put them in a strong position to take this series.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Roupp vs. Tatís Jr.: Roupp must be precise against Tatís, who thrives on punishing mistakes.
- Sears vs. Chapman: Chapman’s ability to drive the ball out to all fields could be pivotal against Sears’ fastball-heavy approach.
Prediction and Best Bets
Both starters enter with questions, but San Diego’s offense and home-field advantage tip the scales. Expect the Giants to scratch across some runs, but the Padres’ lineup should prove too much down the stretch.
Best Bets:
- Padres Moneyline
- Over 8 Runs
Final Score Prediction: Padres 7, Giants 4
