San Diego Padres vs San Francisco Giants Preview, MLB Game 3 Predictions, Picks: Clean Up With Sweep

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Johnny CuetoAfter taking game one in a tight finish, the San Francisco Giants have continued riding high against the San Diego Padres. The Giants have already won the series meaning all eyes are on the Padres in today’s game three to see if they can avoid a sweep (4.05pm ET Sunday).

Read on for our MLB game 3 predictions, preview and, at the conclusion, our betting picks.

Series Recap

When the San Francisco Giants prepared to host the San Diego Padres, many people saw it as a true litmus test. The teams shared the top spot in the NL West, distancing themselves from the slumping Los Angeles Dodgers. While it was no surprise seeing the Padres in that position, the idea of the Giants surging to first again came as a shock. Doubters pointed to their schedule, noting that while the Padres had to play the Dodgers twice already that the Giants were playing much weaker competition. That all changed starting Friday night.

The Giants got on the board first, scoring two runs in the bottom of the third and fifth. Taking a four-run lead and a shut out into the sixth, San Fran saw their lead evaporate following a four run inning to the road team. However, while the Giants gave up the lead, they never trailed in the game, ultimately adding the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh. The team went on to pitch a clean game after that as they held on to win by a final of 5-4.

Game two, as it would turn out, was much more of a smooth-sailing affair. Once again the Giants never trailed as the team put up a three run spot in the third and didn’t look back. San Diego managed to cut into the lead in the top fifth but the Giants answered in the bottom of the frame with another of their own. They would go on to add three more runs, ultimately winning game two easily by a score of 7-1.

So what to make of the Giants? Well, it’s hard to make the argument that they are the beneficiaries of a soft schedule. San Francisco is a legitimately good, if not surprising, top team. They’ve shown that this series with the Padres. The Giants guaranteed themselves a series win on Saturday and now, they’ll come into today with a chance at a sweep. It would be a huge statement for a Giants team that everyone needs to start taking seriously from here on out.

Game Three Pitching Probables: (SD) TBD vs (SF) Johnny Cueto

Chris Paddack was in line to make the start today for the Padres but last week, the team added him to the injury list with an undisclosed illness. It is believed to be Covid-related, keeping Paddack out of action for this start. According to their website, the Padres have yet to select a starter for this critical series finale. Keep an eye on that as whoever is sent to the mound will have a tough task in front of them.

Set to be on the bump for the Giants is the returning Johnny Cueto. Cueto himself is just coming off the injured list, having last pitched on April 16th. Prior to his injury, Cueto was exceptional, picking up two wins and posting an ERA of just 1.80. It will be interesting to see if there is any rust there, something the Padres may be able to capitalize on in the early innings of today’s game 3.

Our San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants Game 3 Preview’s Predictions & Betting Picks Verdict

The NL West has been baseball’s best division this year and it’s not even close. Between the Giants, Padres and Dodgers, the West boasts three of the best teams in MLB and certainly the top in the National League.

This series was eye-opening for a lot of reasons, mainly because it showed that the Giants really will be competing with the Padres and Dodgers for the West crown. Perhaps they could even win it. Unlike LA or San Diego, San Fran has yet to stumble really. They’ve won with excellent pitching, posting more shutouts than any other team in the league. They’ve also won with timely hitting. Right now, the Giants are the whole package and they have all the momentum riding into today’s finale.

Without a starter announced for San Diego, odds have not yet been made available for this contest. It’s hard to peg what direction the top of the heap USA online sportsbooks might go in here. Sweeps aren’t very common in MLB these days, especially ones on the road. Look for the Padres to likely be favored in this one. So what are our predictions for the MLB Game 3? These are our picks for this preview:

  • When it comes down to it however, we are going the unconventional route and advising betting on the Giants to sweep. Take San Fran on the run line and look for a total around the 8.5 range. Anything under that should favor the Giants as they look to wrap up this road series against a tough opponent.