Last night saw the Phillies win for an eighth straight time in San Diego, riding Roy Oswalt’s arm to a 3-0 victory as $1.13 favorites on the betting line. Oswalt and three relievers combined to allow just four hits and Oswalt himself allowed just one through six innings of work. Dating back to 2008, Philadelphia has gone 12-1 here at Petco Park.

San Diego’s offense has really struggled in 2011 as last night marked the fifth time they were shut out this season, which is the most in MLB. Overall, they are barely averaging three runs per game. They are even worse at home and tonight could be tough against Hamels, a lefty, as the Padres are scoring only 2.7 runs per game vs. southpaws thus far.

Mirroring his team’s success, Hamels has pitched very well here in San Diego, which also happens to be his hometown. In four starts at Petco Park, he has allowed just five earned runs in 28.7 IP. Overall, Hamels has posted a 2.75 ERA in nine career starts vs. the Padres.

The Padres will counter their own lefty, Clayton Richard, who has been far more effective at home this season compared to on the road. Despite having nothing to show for it, Richard has posted a 1.04 ERA in two home starts this season. That being said, he must bounce back from a bad effort that saw him allow six runs in 5.3 IP vs. the Houston Astros on Sunday.

San Diego ranks dead last in MLB with only 60 runs scored and has been outscored by the Phillies 36-13 in the last 13 matchups between the teams here at Petco Park.