The Padres’ Nick Pivetta recorded back-to-back scoreless outings prior to the All-Star break, scattering five hits over those 12 ²/₃ innings. A look further back shows he has surrendered one run in his past 25 ²/₃. The Nats counter with MacKenzie Gore, who has given up nine runs in his past 23 frames. Play $50 on Pivetta and the Padres.

The Padres had chances on Saturday to make a young pitcher work a lot harder and leave a lot earlier. Then they had a chance against the major leagues’ worst bullpen. They could have beat a bad team and created a surge at the start of the season’s second half. Instead, a 4-2 loss to the Nationals was like so many before it this season.