Walker Buehler takes the mound as red-hot San Diego Padres face Mets in series opener

I had just one play on the diamond yesterday, and it was a no-doubt, no-sweat victory.

This was mostly thanks to Edward Cabrera of the Cubs allowing seven runs in the first inning of the game.

When you have a total of just 8.5 for the day, giving up seven in the first makes for a pretty comfortable rest of the game.

The teams combined for 15 runs yesterday, and we cashed our ticket quickly.

Tonight might not be as quick, but let's get a ticket cashed comfortably today as the Padres play against the Mets.

The San Diego Padres are a team that I invested in around the All-Star Break, and they are starting to look like the investment has paid off.

They are nine games above .500 and are sitting in second place in the NL West.

They won't catch the Dodgers for the division, but if they keep this up, they should make the postseason without too much difficulty.

They have been one of the hottest teams in baseball over the past 24 days.

Since July 24th, they have gone 17-5.

Tonight they look to keep that run alive by sending Walker Buehler to the hill.

Buehler has been fine this season with a 7-5 record and a 4.88 ERA.

He also has contributed 100 strikeouts and has a 1.43 WHIP.

Buehler has struggled on the road with an ERA that is a full run higher than his homework.