There are not many teams with a worse record than the Cincinnati Reds this season, but the Atlanta Braves are one of the few and the Reds won the opener of a three-game set at Great American Ballpark 8-2 last night. I think we're getting a reasonable price on the Reds to take Game 2 as well.    Here are my keys to the game:    1. Pitching -  The Reds hand the ball to 23 year old rookie in Cody Reed (0-4, 8.39 ERA). The left-hander has a bloated ERA, but he's shown some potential with 29 strikeouts versus 10 walks in 24 2/3 big-league innings and he went 6-3 with a 3.20 ERA in 11 starts for Triple-A Louisville before being promoted in June. Atlanta has scored eight runs in four games since the All Star break, so this looks like a good spot for Reed to boost his confidence with a solid outing. The Braves counter with another 23 year old rookie in Tyrell Jenkins (0-1, 4.50 ERA) who'll make his sixth appearance (second start) in the big leagues. He's allowed as many walks (7) as strikeouts in 14 innings of work.   2. Road Woes - The Braves have averaged just 3.33 runs per game through their 43 road games this games season. Cincinnati is 21-26 home at Great American Ballpark but Atlanta is only 7-23 in its last 30 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.   3. X-Factor - Cincinnati has won three of four since the All Star break.    Selection: This is a play on the Cincinnati Reds (10*)

Both the San Francisco Giants and the Boston Red Sox had Monday off. Much needed time for the Giants to recuperate after getting swept by the Padres over the weekend, and I expect San Francisco to come out fired up for the opener of a two-game set at Fenway Park Tuesday night.    Here are my keys to the game:    1. Pitching - Boston hands the ball to Rick Porcello (11-2, 3.66) who is 8-0 with a 3.32 ERA in nine home starts this season. He's however 1-1 with a 6.19 ERA in three career starts against San Francisco and the current Giants team is batting a combined .358 against the right-hander. San Francisco counters with Jake Peavy (5-7, 5.09 ERA) who has held five of his last six opponents to two runs or fewer. The veteran will make his first start in Boston since being traded to San Francisco prior to the deadline in 2014. Peavy is 1-5 with a 6.64 ERA in eight road starts this season, but he's obviously used to pitching at Fenway where he's 3-3 with a 4.47 ERA in 14 starts, his seventh-most at a single ballpark.    2. Situational - The Red Sox mustered only one run on three hits in a 3-1 loss at Yankee Stadium in their last game. Bad news for Porcello and the Sox as Boston is 1-6 in Porcello's last seven starts after scoring two runs or fewer in its previous game.   3. X-Factor - Conor Gillaspie was 1-for-2 with a homer on Sunday and he is 10-for-24 (.417) with a homer and six RBIs against Porcello lifetime.   Selection: This is a play on the San Francisco Giants +1.5 (8*)

The Pittsburgh Pirates are still nine games back of the first place Cubs, but they trail the St. Louis Cardinals by just one game. They need all the points they can get if they hope to edge out St. Louis in the Wild Card race, and I like the Bucs in tonight's home game versus Milwaukee.   Here are my keys to the game:   1. Pitching - The Brewers will send Junior Guerra to the mound, and the rookie is coming off a loss to St. Louis. Guerra (6-2, 3.06 ERA) gave up three runs on seven hits and three walks over 5 2/3 innings, losing 5-1 at Miller Park. The Pirates counter with Jameson Taillon, who pitched a gem against Seattle in his last outing. The rookie struck out six, while allowing just one run on six hits in six innings of work.   2. Home Cookin' - The Pirates have won five of their last seven at PNC Park, while the Brewers are just 5-14 in their last 19 road games. The Brewers rank 28th in the major leagues in runs scored on the road, with a team batting average of just .243.   3. X-Factor - Milwaukee is just 1-5 in it's last six visits to Pittsburgh.   Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Pirates (10*)

The reigning World Series champions Kansas City Royals have their work cut out for them in the second half of the season if they're to defend their title. They're currently eight games back of the Cleveland Indians who sit top of the AL Central, but I like the Royals to edge closer in the standings with a win Monday night.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - Kansas City hands the ball to Edinson Volquez (8-8, 4.85). He's 6-3 with a 4.25 ERA in 11 starts home at Kauffman Stadium this season and earned the winning decision while holding the Mariners to three runs in six innings of a 5-3 win his last start. He tossed seven scoreless innings against the Tribe here in Kansas City on June 13. The Indians counter with Corey Kluber (9-8, 3.61 ERA). Kluber was lit up for five runs on seven hits and four walks in just 3 1/3 innings of a 17-1 loss at Toronto his last road start. He surrendered eight runs in five innings last month in his last visit to Kansas City.  2. Home Cookin' - The Royals have won each of the three meetings at the K this season and they're 20-6 in Volquez's last 26 home starts. The Indians are 4-10 in Klubers last 14 road starts vs. a team with a winning record. 3. X-Factor - Cleveland will be without its starting catcher Yan Gomes who has been placed on the DL after hurting his shoulder in Sunday's 6-1 victory at Minnesota.  Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals +1.5 (8*)

The Chicago Cubs failed to complete the sweep of a three-game series with the Texas Rangers yesterday as they came up short in a 4-1 loss. I think they'll rebound with a victory against the New York Mets Monday night. Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Cubs hand the ball to Jon Lester (9-4, 3.01) who was knocked around for eight runs in 1 1/3 innings against the Mets at New York on July 3. He's 4-2 with a 2.32 ERA in eight starts home at Wrigley this season though, and he had posted a 2-0 mark with a 2.50 ERA in previous meetings with New York. The Mets counter with Steven Matz (7-5, 3.38 ERA) who worked seven innings and allowed three runs on six hits against the Nats his last start. He allowed the Cubs to score three runs in 5 1/3 innings on June 30 and he's 0-4 in his last eight starts overall.  2. Road Warriors - The Mets are 2-5 in their last seven road games and 2-7 in the last nine meetings at Wrigley Field. 3. X-Factor - The Cubs will have revenge on their mind after being swept by the Mets in four games in New York between June 30 and July 3 Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Cubs (8*)

The New York Yankees recorded their first win in the second half of the schedule with a 3-1 win against Boston on Sunday night. I think they'll be back to their losing ways when hosting another AL East rival in the Baltimore Orioles for the opener of a four-game set Monday night.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Yankees hand the ball to Ivan Nova (6-5, 5.18) who has allowed four runs or more in four of his last five starts. Nova surrendered five runs in six innings at Baltimore on June 4 in the last meeting with the O's. The Orioles counter with Kevin Gausman (1-6, 4.15 ERA) who is 3-2 with a 2.22 ERA in 13 career meetings (seven starts) with the Yankees. 2. The Orioles' Dominance - Baltimore has won nine of the last 11 head-to-head meetings and five of Gausman's last seven starts against the Bronx Bombers.  3. X-Factor - Ivan Nova has had huge problems to retire Mark Truombo who is 10-for-19 with a double, a homer and five RBIs in the match-up.  Selection: This is a play on the Baltimore Orioles (10*)

The Chicago Cubs have come out strong from the All Star break, holding the Texas Rangers to just one run through two victories to start the second half of the season. I think the Rangers can record an upset Sunday afternoon though to deny the Cubs to sweep the three-game set.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Cubs hand the ball to John Lackey (7-5, 3.70) who is without a winning decision in his last six starts with a swollen 6.23 ERA during that stretch. He might find it tough to turn it around when facing a club he's 14-15 with a 5.71 ERA in 40 career starts against. The Rangers counter with Cole Hamels (9-2, 3.21 ERA). The left-hander has been knocked around for a total of 10 runs in 8 1/3 innings in his two starts this month. He was 4-0 with a 1.51 ERA in June though and Hamels is 4-1 with a 2.00 ERA in eight career starts against the Cubs. 2. Situational - The Rangers are 13-3 in their last 16 after scoring two runs or fewer in their previous game so odds are their bats will come alive after scoring just one so far in this series.  3. X-Factor - Hamels threw a no-hitter on July 25, 2015 in his last visit to Wrigley Field.  Selection: This is a play on the Texas Rangers (10*)

The Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals have split the first two of this three-game set at Busch Stadium after a 5-0 Cardinals win on Saturday. The Cardinals have won seven of the past nine meetings, and my money is on the home team in the rubber match Sunday afternoon. Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Cardinals hand the ball to Michael Wacha (5-7, 4.36). The 25 year old has recorded three straight winning decisions and has allowed only three runs in 12 2/3 innings over his last two starts at home. This will mark his first career meeting with the Marlins who counter with Adam Conley (6-5, 3.62 ERA). The left-hander has been a strikeout machine this season, but he's also issuing a lot of free passes (nearly four walks per nine innings). Conley has fared better under the lights than during the day and he has a 4.91 ERA in seven afternoon starts this season.  2. Road Woes - The Marlins are 2-6 in their last eight road games vs. a team with a winning record and 1-4 in Conley's last five road starts. 3. X-Factor - St. Louis' Tommy Pham is 8-for-17 with three homers, five RBIs and four runs scored during his five-game hitting streak and he homered twice in the series opener on Friday. Selection: This is a play on the St. Louis Cardinals (8*)

The Kansas City Royals and the Detroit Tigers enter Sunday's series-finale of this three-game set tied at 1-1. The Royals picked up a rare win on the road last night, but I don't think they'll be able to repeat that today with a pitching match-up in favor of the Tigers.   Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Tigers hand the ball to Michael Fulmer (9-2, 2.11). The 23 year old rookie has been terrific over his first half of a season in the major leagues, and the Tigers have won all but two of his 13 starts. He's already faced the reigning World Series champions once when he held them to one run in 5 1/3 innings at Kauffman a month ago. The Royals counter with Yordano Ventura (6-7, 5.15 ERA). He's lost each of his three starts since returning from an eight-game suspension after a brawl with Baltimore's Manny Machado, and he's 2-5 with a 5.67 ERA in nine road starts this season.  2. Road Woes - The Royals are just 17-31 away from home this season and they've lost 14 of their past 16 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Detroit is a solid 24-17 home at Comerica Park and Fulmer is 2-0 with a minuscule 1.04 ERA in three starts in front of the home crowd. 3. X-Factor - The Royals have lost each of Ventura's last six starts against a team with a winning record.  Selection: This is a play on the Detroit Tigers (8*)

The Detroit Tigers have won seven straight at home against teams not named the Cleveland Indians following a 4-2 win against the Royals on Friday night. The reigning World Series champions have struggled on the road all season long, but I think they'll tie this series with a win at Comerica Park tonight. Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Tigers hand the ball to Mike Pelfrey (2-8, 4.58) who is 1-3 with a 5.35 ERA in seven career starts against the Royals. Pelfrey is coming off two solid outings at Toronto and Tampa Bay, but he's allowed a total of 10 runs on 27 hits in 14 2/3 innings in his last three starts home in Detroit. The Royals counter with Danny Duffy who is one of few Royals' pitchers with a winning road record this season at 2-1 behind a 2.04 ERA.  2. Situational - The Tigers have struggled against division rivals all season and they're 2-8 in their last 10 vs. American League Central teams. The Royals meanwhile have won eight of their last 10 games against division rivals and they're 5-2 against the Tigers this season.  3. X-Factor - Several otherwise reliable Tigers' bats have struggled to solve Duffy; Ian Kinsler is 3-for-20 and J.D. Martinez 1-for-14 against the left-hander.  Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals (10*)

 The Baltimore Orioles entered the All Star break top of the AL East and they opened the second half of the schedule with a 4-3 win against the division worst Tampa Bay Rays. This looks like a good price on the Orioles to record a seventh straight win in the head-to-head series.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Rays hand the ball to Matt Moore (5-6, 4.46). The left-hander has lost to the Orioles twice already this season, surrendering eight earned runs in 13 2/3 innings in the process. His career numbers against the Birds are not much better at 5-6 with a 4.46 ERA. Baltimore counters with Chris Tillman (12-2 , 3.41 ERA) who has faced the Rays three times this season, and he has a 2-0 record behind a 3.78 ERA to show for it with the Birds winning each contest.  2. Home Woes - The Rays have won just three of their last 16 games home at Tropicana Field. They're 0-4 in Moore's last four home starts vs. the Orioles. 3. X-Factor - Jonathan Schoop has hit safely in 10 consecutive games. He's 4-for-9 in previous meetings with Moore.  Selection: This is a play on the Baltimore Orioles (10*)

The Boston Red Sox have won five of seven meetings with the New York Yankees this season after a 5-3 win in the Bronx on Friday night. The Yankees are looking good to execute revenge Saturday afternoon to get one back over their division rival.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Yankees hand the ball to CC Sabathia (5-6, 3.77). The hefty veteran started the season strong but has faded in recent month. The All Star break must have come at a great time for him, and his first game back could not come against a more suitable opponent as he was 1-0 record with a 2.12 ERA in three meetings with the Red Sox last year. Boston counters with Eduardo Rodriguez (1-3, 8.59 ERA) who's done little to prove himself worthy of a spot in the rotation this season. He's under heavy scrutiny with the signing of Drew Pomeranz, and I don't think the 23 year old got what it takes to come up with a big performance under these circumstances.  2. Boston vs. Left-Handers - The Red Sox have a major leagues best .362 on base percentage and a .283 batting average against southpaws for the season, but they've had little success when facing a left-handed starter in recent games losing eight of the last 10.  3. X-Factor - David Ortiz is hitting just .229 with 17 strikeouts over 70 at bats against Sabathia while Xander Bogaerts is 2-for-12 against the left-hander.  Selection: This is a play on the New York Yankees (10*)

The All Star festivities could have come at a better time for the Toronto Blue Jays as they were on a roll with eight wins in nine games heading into the break. I think they'll carry that momentum into the second half of the season though and pick up a win against the Oakland Athletics Friday night.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Blue Jays hand the ball to Marcus Stroman (7-4, 4.89 ERA) who allowed just a pair of runs on three hits in eight innings of a 4-2 win against the Royals his last start. Stroman held the A's scoreless through seven innings in the lone career meeting back in 2014. The A's counter with 23 year old rookie Daniel Mengden (1-4, 4.54 ERA). The A's have lost five of his first six starts in the big leagues and he's been lit up for 10 runs on 13 hits in 10 innings in his last two starts.  2. Home Woes - The A's 17-26 home record is among the worst in the major leagues and they've lost each of Mengden's four starts home at Oakland Coliseum.  3. X-Factor - The Jays have won six of the last seven meetings in the series.  Selection: This is a play on the Toronto Blue Jays (8*)

The Atlanta Braves entered the All Star break with the worst record in baseball. I think they're in for a tough match-up against the Colorado Rockies as they open their second-half schedule Friday night.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Braves hand the ball to 31 year old Lucas Harrell (1-0, 1.32) who'll make his third start of the season. Harrell has pitched well since signing with the Braves as a free agent on May 20, but he's posted a 6.53 ERA in four career meetings with Colorado, and Carlos Gonzalez is 4-for-8 off the right-hander. The Rockies counter with Jorge De La Rosa (5-6, 5.74 ERA) who was demoted to the bullpen after a poor start to the season, but the left-hander is 3-2 with a 2.61 ERA in five outings since returning to the rotation.   2. Tyler Flowers Absence - The Braves' catcher will miss four-to-six weeks with a broken left hand. Bad news for a pitching staff already under heavy pressure to now have to get used to a new face behind the plate.  3. X-Factor - The Rockies have won eight of the past nine meetings with the Braves.  Selection: This is a play on the Colorado Rockies (10*)

The Chicago Cubs won just two of their last 11 games leading up to the All Star break. They're still top of the NL Central thanks to a fast start to the season, and I think they'll come out strong once again here after the break.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Cubs hand the ball to Kyle Hendricks (7-6, 2.55) who has pitched extremely well lately. He's 3-0 with a 1.08 ERA and 25 strikeouts over 25 innings covering his last five outings. The right-hander is 5-1 with a 1.97 ERA in eight appearances (nine starts) at Wrigley this season. The Rangers counter with Martin Perez (7-5, 3.85 ERA) who was roughed up by the Red Sox his last start as he allowed 11 runs (seven earned) over four innings in an 11-6 loss. Perez is 1-4 with a 5.23 ERA in nine road starts this year. 2. Road Woes - The Rangers have dropped four of their last five on the road and they're 1-6 in Perez's last seven road starts vs. a team with a winning record.  3. X-Factor - Chicago owns the National League's best home record with a 26-14 mark.  Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Cubs (8*)

The Rockies play their final game before the break at home versus Philly Sunday. Colorado has taken two of three in this series so far, and I like the Rockies to take advantage of a mismatch on the mound here in Game 4. My money is on Colorado as a home favorite.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Rockies send Tyler Chatwood to the mound, and he's having himself a solid season so far. Chatwood (8-4, 3.08 ERA) allowed just a pair of runs on three hits through five innings in a win at San Francisco in his last outing. The 26 year old is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in his last two starts versus Philly. The Phillies counter with rookie right-hander Zach Eflin who is making just his sixth career start.

2. Philly Bats - Only the Atlanta Braves have scored fewer runs in the major leagues in 2016 than Philadelphia. The Phillies team batting average of .243 is also among the worst in the majors.

3. X-Factor - Colorado is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in this series.

Selection: This is a play on the Colorado Rockies (8*)

The Chicago Cubs have dropped nine of their past 10 overall and back-to-back games to the Pittsburgh Pirates to watch them climb within six and a half games back in NL Central standings. A victory today would be a huge morale boost for the Cubs, and I think they'll gear up here in the last game before the All Star break.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Pirates hand the ball to Jonathon Niese (7-6, 4.87). He's struggled in his last two starts at PNC Park, surrendering a total of 13 runs on 18 hits in 11 1/3 innings. He lost his last meeting with Chicago, giving up four runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings at Wrigley on June 18. The Cubs counter with John Lackey (7-5, 3.50 ERA) who has struggled lately, but he posted a 2.25 ERA in three starts against the Pirates last season. 2. Cubs vs. Left-Handers - The Cubs are 13-5 in their last 18 road games vs. a left-handed starter, and their .358 on base percentage against southpaws this season is second only to the Red Sox's.  3. X-Factor - Kris Bryant is 3-for-7 with three walks so far in this series. He's 5-for-10 with a homer in previous meetings with Niese.  Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Cubs (8*)

The Miami Marlins will be looking to head into the All Star break on a good note by completing the sweep of this three-game series with the Cincinnati Reds Sunday afternoon. Cincy the worst road team in the National League with a 14-31 record, and I think it'll struggle at Marlins Park once again.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Reds hand the ball to left-hander Cody Reed (0-3, 9.00 ERA), a 23 year old rookie who will make only his fifth career appearance. The Reds have lost each of his four starts in the big leagues and he allowed eight runs (four earned) on five hits and three walks in just four innings his last start. The Marlins counter with Tom Koehler (6-7, 4.40). He's done his best job home at Marlins Park this season and he's held Cincinnati scoreless in 10 career innings against the Reds.  2. The Slumping Reds - Cincinnati has dropped 13 of its last 17 games and its chances of reaching the playoffs are slim to none. I don't see why it would come out swinging now all of a sudden without the chance of going on a run with the All Star break interrupting the possible momentum.  3. X-Factor - The Marlins are 9-2 in their last 11 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Selection: This is a play on the Miami Marlins (8*)

The Chicago Cubs will welcome the All Star break as they're mired in a huge slump, losing eight of their last nine games. The Pittsburgh Pirates won the opener of a three-game set against their division rival 8-4 last night, and I think the Bucs can record another upset on Saturday.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Pirates hand the ball to Chad Kuhl (1-0, 4.09). The 23 year old will make his third appearance in the majors and the Pirates have won each of his first two starts. He limited the A's to two runs in six innings his last start and will be backed up by a red hot bullpen. The Cubs counter with Jon Lester (9-4, 2.67 ERA) who was knocked around for eight runs and nine hits in 1 1/3 innings of a 14-3 loss at Citi Field his last start. He's 3-4 with a 3.48 ERA in eight day starts this season.  2. Situational - The Pirates are 6-1 in their last seven after scoring five runs or more in their previous game and 5-1 in their last six games vs. a left-handed starter. 3. X-Factor - Cubs' catcher David Ross has been placed on the seven-day disabled list and we'll see rookie Willson Contreras behind the plate for Chicago today. Not what Lester needs to bounce back from a rocky outing.  Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 (8*)

The Kansas City Royals and the Seattle Mariners have split the first two of this four-game set after a 3-2 Seattle win on Friday. I think the Royals will rebound with a win Saturday afternoon.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Mariners hand the ball to Wade Miley (6-5, 5.36 ERA) who has been tagged with 10 runs on 18 hits in 15 2/3 innings in his last three starts combined. Miley has allowed plenty of base runners all season, and the Royals are good at producing runs once they get men on base. The Royals counter with Edinson Volquez (7-8, 4.87) who is 4-0 with a 2.37 ERA in seven career games (six starts) against the Mariners. His season ERA home at Kauffman Stadium is almost one and a half run lower than his road ERA so we should see a strong outing in front of the home town crowd. .  2. Royals vs. Southpaws - Kansas City has had good success against left-handers this season with a .281 batting average, good for the fifth best mark in baseball. They're 5-1 in their last six home games vs. a left-handed starter. 3. X-Factor -  Salvador Perez is 5-for-9 with a homer versus Miley. He scored a two-run double to earn the Royals a 4-3 win in the series-opener on Thursday.   Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals (10*)

The NL West best San Francisco Giants defeated the bottom dwelling Arizona Diamondbacks 6-2 in the opener of a three-game set on Friday. I think the Giants will come out on top here in Game 2 of the series as well.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Giants hand the ball to Jake Peavy (5-7, 5.14) who is 17-13 with a 4.47 ERA in 36 career starts against Arizona. The veteran held the Rockies to one run on five hits in 6 2/3 innings here at AT&T Park his last start and he has posted a 2.27 ERA over his last eight outings overall. The D'Backs counter with 24 year old southpaw Robbie Ray (4-7, 4.78 ERA) who conceded four runs in six innings when he faced the Giants last weekend.  2. Home Cookin' - The Giants are 11-2 in Peavy's last 13 home starts vs. a team with a losing record and 5-0 in their last five home games vs. a left-handed starter. 3. X-Factor - San Francisco's Brandon Crawford was 3-for-3 with a walk and three RBIs last night.  Selection: This is a play on the San Francisco Giants (8*)

The surging New York Mets have won seven of their past eight to climb just three games back of the Washington Nationals who currently sit top of the NL East. The Mets won the opener of a four-game series against their division rival 9-7 on Thursday, and I think they can record an upset Friday night.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Mets hand the ball to Noah Syndergaard (9-3, 2.41) who held the Cubs to one run in seven innings of a 14-3 win his last start. Syndergaard is 5-1 with a 2.02 ERA in 10 appearances (nine starts) home at Citi Field this season and fanned 10 hitters over seven scoreless innings in a home victory against the Nats on May 17. Washington counter with Stephen Strasburg (11-0, 2.71 ERA) who conceded three runs with a pair of homers in 5 1/3 innings of a 6-3 loss at Cincinnati without factoring in the decision his last start on the road. 2. Home Cookin'/Road Woes - The Mets have won nine of their past 10 in front of the home town crowd and five of Syndergaard's last six home starts. The Nationals are 1-8 in their last nine road games. 3. X-Factor - New York's Yoenis Cespedes was 2-for-3 with a pair of walks last night. He's 4-for-8 in previous meetings with Strasburg.  Selection: This is a play on the New York Mets +1.5 (8*) 

The Chicago Cubs are sitting top of the NL Central division with the Pittsburgh Pirates 8 1/2 games back in third place. The Pirates are the hotter of the two teams though and had won seven straight prior to a 5-1 setback at St. Louis last night. Chicago has lost seven of its last eight, and I like the Pirates chances to stay hot and deal their division foe another loss tonight.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Pirates hand the ball to Francisco Liriano (5-8, 5.34) who has been knocked around by the Cubs on a couple of occasions this season. The left-hander will enter the game on a positive note though as he earned his first win in seven starts his last turn. Liriano has a 3.89 ERA home at PNC Park which is a significantly better mark than his 6.80 ERA on the road. The Cubs counter with Jake Arrieta who started the season exceptionally well, but he's 1-2 with a 5.87 ERA in his last three outings.  2. Pittsburgh's Bullpen - The Pirates' bullpen has 29 saves on 38 opportunities this year and closer Mark Melancon has converted each of his past 22 save situations dating back to April 27. 3. X-Factor - The Cubs are 1-11 in their last 12 versus a team with a winning record. Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 (10*)

The Padres come into LA as winners of four of their last six, and they thrashed the D'Backs in a 13-6 blowout last night. Game 1 of this series might be a pitcher's duel, and I like the Friars as the runline dog.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Drew Pomeranz will be on the mound for San Diego, and the 27 year old is having the best season of his career. Pomeranz (7-7, 2.65 ERA) gave up just one run on five hits, fanning seven in seven innings in a 2-1 win over the Yankees in his most recent outing. He's 5-3 with a 1.98 ERA in 10 starts under the lights. The Dodgers turn to Hyun-Jin Ryu, who will make his first start coming off the DL.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Yangervis Solarte was 3-for-5 with a home run and five RBIs in last night's win at Arizona, and he's 2-for-3 lifetime versus Ryu. Solarte is hitting .478 with three home runs over the last seven days.

3. X-Factor - The Padres are 4-1 in their last five road games versus a left-handed starter.

Selection: This is a play on the Padres +1.5 (7*)

The Colorado Rockies have lost seven of their last eight overall, but they appear to have a favorable match-up in a new home series versus Philly. The Philies have won eight of their last nine, but they have lost their last four versus Colorado. My money is on the home favorite.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Adam Morgan will start for Philly, looking to snap a 10 game winless streak. The 26 year old was 0-3 with a 6.28 ERA in five starts in June. The Rockies counter with Chad Bettis, who has been having a solid season. He's owned the Phillies, going 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in his last three starts against them.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Freddy Galvis was 2-for-4 with a home run and a pair of RBIs in last night's win over the Braves, but he's 0-for-7 lifetime versus Chad Bettis.

3. X-Factor - Only Atlanta has scored fewer runs this season than the Phillies.

Selection: This is a play on the Colorado Rockies (8*)

  The Detroit Tigers will visit the surging Toronto Blue Jays for the opener of a four-game series on Thursday. The set will take the teams into the All Star break, and while the Jays are riding a five-game winning streak I like the Tigers' chances of recording an upset tonight.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Tigers hand the ball to Justin Verlander (8-6, 4.11 ERA) who held the Rays to a pair of runs on four hits in seven strong innings of a 3-2 win his last start. He fanned eight batters in that contest and ranks fourth in the league with 115 strikeouts in 111 innings this season. The Jays counter with Drew Hutchison (1-0, 5.40) who'll get the ball instead of the injured Marco Estrada. Hutchison has allowed four runs on seven hits and three walks with a pair of homers in 6 2/3 innings in the major leagues this season, and he could have asked for an easier opponent for this spot start.  2. Road Warriors - The Tigers have won five of Verlander's last six road starts against a team with a winning record and they're 5-2 in their last seven road games overall. 3. X-Factor - The Tigers' Ian Kinsler was 3-for-4 in yesterday's 12-2 win against Cleveland.  Selection: This is a play on the Detroit Tigers (10*)

The Los Angeles Angels tied this series at 1-1 with a 13-5 victory on Tuesday. The win was the Halos' mere third in 15 games, but I think they're looking good to record another upset against the Tampa Bay Rays tonight.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Rays hand the ball to Drew Smyly (2-9, 5.33) who has surrendered four runs or more in six of his last eight starts. He's lost both of his last two outings while conceding a total of 14 runs (12 earned) on 16 hits and five walks in 11 2/3 innings. Smyly is s 0-2 with a 4.15 ERA in five career games against the Angels who counter with Jered Weaver (6-7, 5.51 ERA). The veteran has been hit hard most of the year, but his 4.74 ERA on the road is much better than his 6.18 mark home in L.A. and he held the Rays to two runs in six innings on May 7.  2. Home Woes - The Rays have a losing home record this season and they're 9-23 against the run-line as a favorite home at the Trop. They've lost five of Smyly's last seven home starts. 3. X-Factor - C.J. Cron was 2-for-4 with a homer last night. He's 11-for-24 (.458) with five home runs so far this month.  Selection: This is a play on the Los Angeles Angels +1.5 (8*)

The Royals have lost three straight, including back-to-back blowout losses here in Toronto. I think Wednesday's series finale has the potential to shape up as a pitcher's duel, and my money is on Kansas City as the underdog plus the runs.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Marcos Stroman will be on the mound for Toronto, and he's coming off a solid performance in a loss to Cleveland. Stroman (6-4, 5.08 ERA) gave up a run on five hits, fanning six in 6.2 innings in a 2-1 home loss. He was terrible in June, going 1-3 with a 7.76 ERA in five starts. The Royals will counter with Ian Kennedy, who has never faced Toronto.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Stroman hasn't faced the Royals since last year's ALCS, and the Royals lit him up for four runs on 11 hits over 6.1 innings in that game.

3. X-Factor - Kennedy is 2-2 in his last four starts, but both losses came in games decided by just one run. He's struck out 19 batters in 12 innings in his last two starts.

Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals +1.5 (8*)

The Detroit Tigers are 44-29 against teams not named the Cleveland Indians this season. They've lost 11 straight to the Tribe after Tuesday's 12-1 bashing, but I think the Tigers can put an end to that nasty losing streak in the series-finale of this three-game set Wednesday afternoon.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Indians hand the ball to Josh Tomlin (9-1, 3.21). He's struggled with the long ball lately serving up at least one blast in each of his last five starts and a total of nine during that span. Tomlin is 4-1 home at Progressive Field despite a 4.02 ERA while giving up nine homers in seven starts. The Tigers counter with Michael Fulmer (8-2, 2.17 ERA) who has allowed one or no runs in each of his last eight starts while going 6-1 with a 0.53 ERA. The rookie is 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in four afternoon starts.  2. Miguel Cabrera - The Detroit slugger is 8-for-22 with a double, a homer and four walks in previous meetings with Tomlin. He was ejected in the sixth inning for arguing with an umpire last night and hopefully his passion will turn into something positive and spill over on the rest of the Tigers for today's game.  3. X-Factor - The Tigers have won each of Fulmer's last six starts after allowing five runs or more in their previous game. Selection: This is a play on the Detroit Tigers +1.5 (8*)

The Baltimore Orioles remain top of the AL East despite coming off five consecutive losses. They had won seven straight prior to the slump, and I think they'll break out of their losing streak at Dodger Stadium Tuesday night.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Dodgers hand the ball to Kenta Maeda (7-5, 2.82). The 28 year old rookie's numbers are better on the road than home at Chavez Ravine where he's 2-4 with a 3.00 ERA. He held the Brewers to one run in six innings his last start, but the Dodgers are 1-4 in Maeda's last five starts following a quality start in his last appearance. The Orioles counter with Chris Tillman (10-2, 3.71 ERA) who has been torched for 14 runs in 14 2/3 innings in his last three starts. Tillman had been outstanding up until the recent slump though, and the Orioles are still 8-0 in his last eight interleague starts. 2. Baltimore's Bats - The Orioles have scored a total of 15 runs in their past three games, and the lack of solid starting pitching is what's cost them the games. You can never discount a team that leads the major leagues with 128 home runs and is fourth for batting average as one or two blasts could be enough to put a bunch of runs on the board. 3. X-Factor -  J.J. Hardy is 5-for-12 with five RBIs over his last three contests.  Selection: This is a play on the Baltimore Orioles +1.5 (8*)

Runs came at a premium when the Houston Astros won the opener of a three-game series with the Seattle Mariners 2-1 yesterday. I think we'll see another low-scoring affair Tuesday night as the series at Minute Maid Park continues.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Astros hand the ball to Dallas Keuchel (5-9, 5.13). The reigning American League Cy Young winner has bounced back from a terrible start to the year and has held opponents to seven earned runs over 19 1/3 innings in his last three starts. Keuchel's season ERA is more than one run lower home in Houston than on the road. The Mariners counter with Taijuan Walker (4-6, 3.29 ERA). He missed a start due to a foot injury but came back strong to hold the Orioles to one run on four hits in 6 1/3 innings of a 5-3 win his last outing. Walker has posted a 2.00 ERA in two meetings with Houston this year.  2. Batter Versus Pitcher -  Taijuan Walker has posted a 3.98 ERA in 10 career starts against the Astros, but he has done well against several of their current big bats. Carlos Correa (2-for-9), George Springer (3-for-13) and Luis Valbuena (2-for-11) have all struggled to solve the right-hander.  3. X-Factor - The under is 9-3-1 in the Astros' last 13 home games vs. a right-handed starter and 5-1 in their last six home games overall.  Selection: This is a play on SEA@HOU to go UNDER the total (10*)

The Miami Marlins failed to slow down the New York Mets as they managed to blow a six-run lead to lose the opener of a three-game series 8-6 last night. They get another chance Tuesday night, and I like the Fish's chances of recording an upset in this contest. 
Here are my keys to the game: 
1. Pitching - Miami hands the ball to Wei-Yin Chen (4-3, 5.11 ERA). The 30 year old southpaw has done his best work on the road and under the lights this season, so the splits are in favor of a solid outing. This will mark his first career start against New York, but he has held Yoenis Cespedes to three hits over 14 at bats. The Mets counter with Steven Matz (7-3, 3.40) who is 0-1 with an 11.57 ERA in two career starts against the Marlins. Matz is winless since May 25 and has surrendered nine runs on 16 hits in 10 2/3 frames through his last two turns. 
2. Run-Line Heroes - The Marlins are a solid 22-21 against the run-line on the road this season, 17-9 as an underdog. The Mets are 13-20 against the run-line as a home favorite. 
3. X-Factor - The Mets have lost eight of their last 11 when their opponent scores five runs or more in their previous game.
Selection: This is a play on the Miami Marlins +1.5 (8*)

The Baltimore Orioles wrapped up last week with four consecutive losses to Seattle, but they still remain top of the AL East three games ahead of Boston. They'll be looking to get back on track when visiting the Los Angeles Dodgers on 4th of July, and think the Orioles might very well record an upset tonight.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Dodgers hand the ball to their highly touted rookie Julio Urias (1-2, 4.09). The left-hander settled in nicely since a couple of rough outings to start his MLB adventure, but he struggled with his command at Milwaukee his last start when he issued six free passes in six innings. The Orioles counter with Yovani Gallardo (3-1, 5.77 ERA) who is 2-0 with a 4.41 ERA in three outings since returning from the disabled list. He held the Padres to three runs on three hits and three walks in six innings of a 12-6 win his last start.  2. Situational - The Orioles have matched their longest losing streak of the season with four straight setbacks but an interleague series could be just what the doctor ordered for them to get back to their winning ways. The Birds are 7-1 in their last eight interleague games overall and 4-0 in their last four interleague games vs. a left-handed starter. 3. X-Factor - Mark Truombo is 8-for-26 with a pair of homers over the past seven days.  Selection: This is a play on the Baltimore Orioles (8*)

Both the Kansas City Royals and the Toronto Blue Jays will be looking to make one last push before the All Star break to improve on their third place in their respective division. The Jays are coming off back-to-back wins against the red hot Indians, but Monday's series-opener with Kansas City might become a closer game than they would wish for.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Royals hand the ball to Edinson Volquez (7-7, 4.80 ERA) who tossed 6 2/3 shutout innings at St. Louis his last start. He threw six scoreless innings in Game 1 of the ALCS, a 5-0 Royals victory, his last meeting with Toronto. The Jays counter with Aaron Sanchez (8-1, 3.08) who will make his first career start against the Royals. Sanchez has impressed in recent road starts, but he was ripped for six runs on 10 hits with four home runs by Baltimore his last start at Rogers Centre where he has a 4.79 ERA in six starts this season.

2. Situational - The Jays' bats exploded in a 17-1 win against the Tribe on Sunday. We often see teams struggle at the plate in the next game following such a performance, and I think that will apply to Toronto tonight.

3. X-Factor - Kansas City's bullpen has the best ERA in baseball while Toronto's ranks in the bottom third.

Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals +1.5 (8*)

Neither the Los Angeles Angels or the Tampa Bay Rays are playing particularly good baseball at the moment. I'm taking the extra run on the visiting Halos when the two slumping teams clash in the opener of a four-game set at the Trop today. Here are my keys to the game:  1. The Angels hand the ball to Nick Tropeano (3-2, 3.25 ERA) who will be replacing Jhoulys Chacin in the rotation. Tropeano allowed two or fewer runs in seven of 10 starts to open the season before missing time with a shoulder injury. He surrendered three runs on seven hits but struck out a season-best 10 in 5 1/3 innings of a loss to Tampa Bay on May 8. The Rays counter with Matt Moore (4-5, 4.67) who held the Red Sox scoreless over seven innings his last time out. Moore has been inconsistent all year though and had surrendered five runs in 6 2/3 innings his previous start. 2. Home Woes - The Rays have lost each of their last four home at Tropicana Field and five of the last seven when hosting the Halos.   3. X-Factor - Albert Pujols is 15-for-37 with three homers during a nine-game hitting streak.  Selection: This is a play on the Los Angeles Angels +1.5 (8*)

The Colorado Rockies enter Sunday as losers of four straight including a pair of lopsided defeats here at Dodger Stadium. I think the Rockies will put up a better fight in the series finale today and possibly upset the Dodgers with a straight up win.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Rockies hand the ball to Jon Gray (5-3, 4.83 ERA). He's done his best work outside of Coors Field and in the day this season. The right-hander has allowed four runs on four htis in 11 innings in two day starts with a .111 batting average against. The Dodgers counter with Brandon McCarthy who will make his season debut and first major-league appearance since April 25, 2015 due to Tommy John surgery. He allowed four runs (three earned) over five innings in a rehab start for High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Monday and he's 0-1 with a 4.61 ERA in four minor league starts this year.  2. Situational - The Rockies are 5-1 in their last six games after losing the first two games of a series and 10-3 in their last 13 Sunday games. 3. X-Factor - Colorado's Carlos Gonzalez is batting .427 in 21 at bats over the last seven days. He's 4-for-11 in previous meetings with McCarthy and Charlie Blackmon is 4-for-8 off the 32 year old.  Selection: This is a play on the Colorado Rockies +1.5 (8*)

The Tampa Bay Rays have just two wins in their past 17 games and have slumped all way to the bottom of the AL East by quite some margin. They've lost three straight to the Detroit Tigers here at the Trop, and I think the Tigers are entering Sunday's contest severely underrated by the bookmakers.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Rays hand the ball to Chris Archer (4-11, 4.76) who's been under-performing big time this season. The Rays' "ace" leads the majors in losses and he's 0-4 with a 4.85 ERA in his last four starts. He surrendered four runs on seven hits and four walks in 6 1/3 innings of an 8-2 home loss to the Red Sox his last start. The Tigers counter with Mike Pelfrey (2-7, 5.02 ERA) who won his last start despite conceding four runs in 5 1/3 innings against Miami. The Tigers bats have been hot lately and should give Pelfrey a lot of run support again Sunday afternoon.  2. Home Woes - The Rays are 17-24 straight up and 15-26 against the run-line home at the Trop this season. They're 2-8 SU in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning record. 3. X-Factor - Tampa Bay has scored only four runs with nine hits in the last two games.  Selection: This is a play on the Detroit Tigers +1.5 (8*)

The New York Mets dropped all seven meetings with the Chicago Cubs in the 2015 regular season before sweeping Chicago in four games in the NLCS. Their recent dominance in the series have extended to the new year, and I think the Mets can upset the Cubs and complete the sweep of this four-game series Sunday afternoon. Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Mets hand the ball to Noah Syndergaard (8-3, 2.49) who gave up five runs in three innings and took the loss as the Mets fell 11-4 at Washington on Tuesday. Syndergaard is 4-1 with a 2.12 ERA in nine outings (eight starts) home at Citi Field this season though. The Cubs counter with Jon Lester (9-3, 2.03 ERA) who is is 2-0 with a 2.50 ERA in three career regular-season starts against the Mets, but he gave up four runs in 6 2/3 innings in a 4-2 loss at Citi Field in the NLCS last year.  2. Recent Trends - The Cubs are still sitting top of the NL Central division by quite some margin due to a hot start to the year. They've not been at their best lately though and they're 1-10 in their last 11 vs. a team with a winning record. The Mets on the other hand have won 10 of their past 11 games against teams with a winning % above .600.  3. X-Factor - The Cubs already have several key contributors on the DL and might have to do without Chris Coghlan who is considered day-to-day after leaving Saturday’s game with soreness in his rib cage. Selection: This is a play on the New York Mets +1.5 (8*)

The Orioles came into Seattle riding a seven game winning streak, but they've dropped the first two games of this series at Safeco. The Mariners will look to make it three straight tonight, but I don't like their chances with a struggling pitcher on the mound.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - James Paxton will go for the Mariners, and he's been struggling of late. The 27 year old southpaw has surrendered nine runs on 19 hits in back-to-back losses. The Orioles counter with Tyler Wilson, who tossed eight scoreless innings in a win over Boston in his last start on the road.

2. Home Cookin' - The Orioles are 5-1 in Wilson's last 6 road starts, and he's 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA on the road this season.

3. X-Factor - The Mariners have covered the run-line in only 15 of their 37 home games this season.

Selection: This is a play on the Baltimore Orioles +1.5 (8*)

The Oakland Athletics opened a seven-game homestand by taking three of four from the Giants, but they lost the opener of a three-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-3 on Friday. I think the Pirates can upset the A's on Saturday and set themselves up to sweep the set tomorrow.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Pirates hand the ball to Chad Kuhl (1-0, 5.40 ERA) who will make his second start in the big leagues. He picked up the win in his debut (tossing opposite Clayton Kershaw) despite surrendering three runs on four hits and four walks in five innings against the Dodgers. The 23 year old went 6-2 with a 2.58 ERA in 14 starts with Triple-A Indianapolis prior to being called up by the Pirates, and with his debut done and dusted I think he'll come out with a more composed performance tonight. The A's counter with Rich Hill (8-3, 2.25) who'll make his first start since May 29 when he sustained a groin injury that sent him to the disabled list. An untimely break for Hill who was on a roll, and he might not come out quite as sharp here after the break.  2. Road Warriors - The Pirates are 3-10 in their last 13 road games, but they're off back-to-back wins away from home and they're 10-1 in their last 11 interleague road games vs. a team with a losing record. 3. X-Factor - Hill is likely to be on a pitch count so the A's bullpen that ranks 19th for ERA in the majors might be called into action early.  Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Pirates (8*)

The Mets have taken the first two games of this series versus the Cubs, out-scoring Chicago 14-5. They go for a third consecutive win Saturday, but it won't be easy as Chicago sends Jake Arrieta to the mound. My money is on New York plus the runs at home.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Bartolo Colon will be on the mound for the Mets, and he just keeps on winning at the age of 43. Colon (6-4, 2.86 ERA) allowed just one run on six hits over seven innings in a no decision versus Atlanta his last time out. He hasn't faced the Cubs this year, but he gave up just a pair of runs on 12 hits over 14 innings in two starts versus Chicago over the last three seasons. Arrieta has looked human in recent outings, giving up seven runs on eight hits over 10 innings in his last two starts.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Mets are batting .248 over a combined 117 at bats in previous meetings with Arrieta. That might not sound great, but keep in mind that they are batting just .234 overall in 2016. Curtis Granderson is hitting .333 with three home runs lifetime versus the right-hander.

3. X-Factor - The Cubs has lost four straight in New York, and six straight versus the Mets.

Selection: This is a play on the New York Mets +1.5 (8*)

 Success on the road has been scarce for the Pittsburgh Pirates lately and they had lost 10 of 11 away from home before an 8-1 triumph at Seattle on Wednesday. Friday night they'll visit a shell-shocked Oakland Athletics team that took a 12-6 beating by their Bay Area rival last night, and I think the Pirates can pull an upset in this contest.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The A's hand the ball to Sonny Gray (3-6, 5.03), one of many presumed aces that have struggled in the major leagues this season. Oakland has won just two of his last 10 starts and he's 2-6 with a 5.95 ERA in 10 starts under the lights. The Pirates counter with Jeff Locke who is coming off back-to-back wins while allowing just a total of one run in 10 2/3 innings combined against the Dodgers and the Giants. Locke is 4-2 with a 4.02 ERA in nine night starts which are superior numbers compared to his day starts.  2. Situational - Pittsburgh is 6-1 in its last seven games following an off day, and its still 10-4 in its last 14 road games vs. a team with a losing record despite its recent road woes.  3. X-Factor - Starling Marte is red hot and he had three hits in Thursday night's win to improve to 9-for-25 during a six-game hitting streak Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 (8*)

The St. Louis Cardinals have lost six of their past eight games to fall 11 games behind the Cubs at the top of the NL Central. The Milwaukee Brewers have lost 10 of their last 15 games but I think they can keep this a close game and possibly record an outright upset.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Cardinals hand the ball to Jaime Garcia (5-6, 4.09). He has a good track record against Milwaukee, but the left-hander was dinged for five runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings at Seattle his last start. The Brewers counter with Matt Garza (1-0, 2.81 ERA). The veteran picked up his first win of the season his last outing despite surrendering four runs in six innings against the Nats. He had allowed just one run in a total of 10 innings in his previous two starts combined.  2. Home Woes - The St. Louis Cardinals are just 15-23 home at Busch Stadium this season and they've dropped seven straight in front of the home fans. The Brewers are 4-1 in their last five when visiting a team with a home winning % of less than .400. 3. X-Factor - The Brewers have won seven of their last 10 when coming up against a left-handed starter. Selection: This is a play on the Milwaukee Brewers +1.5 (8*)

The Cleveland Indians matched a club record with their 13th straight win last night, and they're looking to make history when once again taking on the Toronto Blue Jays Friday afternoon. The Blue Jays have lost seven of their past 11 games and I can see them struggling here with the red hot Tribe.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Blue Jays hand the ball to Marcus Stroman (6-4, 5.33 ERA). The 25 year old headed into the season considered the ace of the club after David Price's departure, but he's pitched nothing like it. Stroman is 1-3 with an 8.44 earned-run average in his past six starts and he's lasted only a total of 8 2/3 innings in the last two starts combined while conceding 11 runs on 17 hits. The Indians counter with Josh Tomlin (9-1, 3.32 ERA) who has been phenomenal all season. Tomlin has won each of his three matinee starts this year accompanied by a 3.79 ERA.   2. Road Warriors - The Indians have won seven straight on the road and they're 10-1 in Tomlin's last 11 road starts. Tomlin has a 5-0 record and a 2.76 ERA in seven away starts this season.  3. X-Factor - Jason Kipnis is riding a 12 game hitting streak and homered for the third time in seven outings last night.  Selection: This is a play on the Cleveland Indians (10*)

The Milwaukee Brewers have won four of their past six games and tied this series at 1-1 with a 7-0 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers last night. I think the Dodgers enter Thursday's series-finale as unreasonable large favorites and I like the Brew Crew's chances of recording an upset.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Brewers hand the ball to the white hot Zach Davies (5-3, 3.74) who is 5-0 with a 2.64 ERA in his last 10 outings after losing each of his first three of the season. Davies held Los Angeles to a run on five hits and a walk with six strikeouts in seven innings at Dodger Stadium earlier this month. The Dodgers counter with Kenta Maeda (6-5, 2.91 ERA) who allowed four runs on four hits, a pair of walks and a pair of home runs in five innings of work his last start. Maeda has given up plenty of free passes, particularly in recent starts.  2. Home Cookin' - The Brewers have won five of their past seven home at Miller Park and each of the past six with Davies on the mound. Davies is 4-2 with a respectable 3.11 ERA in nine home starts for the year.  3. X-Factor - Ryan Braun has been swinging a hot bat lately riding a 10-game hitting streak. He's 10-for-25 with five runs, four doubles, two home runs, seven RBI and a stolen base in six meetings with the Dodgers this season. Selection: This is a play on the Milwaukee Brewers +1.5(8*)

The Chicago White Sox failed to get a single run on the board in the opener of this three-game series with the Minnesota Twins, but they came back swinging hot bats to earn a 9-6 win on Wednesday. I think the White Sox will follow that victory up with more success in the series finale on Thursday.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The White Sox hand the ball to left-hander Carlos Rodon (2-6, 4.09 ERA) who struck out eight hitters while holding the Jays to a pair of runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings his last start. He's allowed two runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts and he owns a stellar 1.20 ERA in three career starts against the Twins. Minnesota counters with Tommy Milone (0-2, 5.33 ERA) who is 4-1 with a 2.02 ERA in eight starts against Chicago. Milone was however demoted to the minors earlier in the year after an uninspiring start to the season and the left-hander surrendered four runs (one earned) on six hits and a pair of walks in his comeback in the majors on June 24.  2. Batters vs. Left-handers - The Twins are 6-18 in their last 24 road games vs. a left-handed starter while the White Sox are 4-1 in their last five games when facing a southpaw to start the game.  3. X-Factor - The White Sox have won seven of eight meetings this year. Selection: This is a play on the Chicago White Sox (8*)

The Pittsburgh Pirates opened a nine game road trip with a 5-2 loss at Safeco last night. I think they're looking good to salvage a split of this two-game series with the Seattle Mariners tonight.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Mariners hand the ball to Wade Miley (6-3, 5.28). He'll be pitching for the first time since June 12 due to a shoulder impingement in his throwing arm. Miley surrendered three runs on four hits and three walks in five innings of a 6-4 loss to Texas his last start and has struggled with his command all year. The Pirates counter with 24 year old Jameson Taillon (1-1, 4.50 ERA). The rookie will make his fifth start in the majors, and the Pirates have split his previous starts. He tossed eight scoreless innings of two-hit ball against the Mets on June 14 so there's no doubt he has a lot of talent.  2. Home Woes - The Mariners have covered the run-line in only 13 of their 37 home games this season. They took two of three from the Cardinals over the weekend, both victories by just one run. .  3. X-Factor - Starling Marte is on a five-game hitting streak and 5-for-13 off Miley in previous meetings.  Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 (8*)

The Washington Nationals are coming off back-to-back wins against the New York Mets to move five games ahead of their division rival at the top of the NL East. They can complete the sweep of this three-game series Wednesday night, and I think we'll see the Nats dominate this contest from the very first pitch. 
Here are my keys to the game: 
1. Pitching - The Mets hand the ball to Logan Verrett (3-4, 4.14 ERA) who was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas last week as the Mets have been hit hard with injuries. Verrett has surrendered a total of six runs on seven hits and five walks with four home runs in seven innings in his last three outings in the majors. The Nats counter with their ace Max Scherzer (8-5, 3.52) who is on fire and has recorded double digits for strikeouts in three straight outings and four of his last five. 

2. Home Cookin' - The Nats are 8-1 in their past nine at home while the Mets have lost six of their last eight on the road. The home team is 9-4 in Alfonso Marquez's last 13 games behind home plate.
3. X-Factor - Bryce Harper entered this series on a 1-for-17 slump against the Mets but he's 4-for-7 with three RBIs in the last two games. 
Selection: This is a play on the Washington Nationals -1.5 (8*)

The Boston Red Sox had won only two of their past eight games prior to defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 8-2 in the opener of a three-game set Tuesday night. The loss was the Rays' 12th in their last 13 contests, and this looks like another tough spot for the Rays.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Red Sox hand the ball to their ace David Price (8-4, 4.68 ERA) who has plenty of experience pitching at the Trop, going 35-29 with a 2.89 ERA in 87 career games. Price had held eight straight opponents to three runs or fewer before surrendering six in 2 1/3 innings at Texas his last start. The Red Sox still won the game 8-7 though and Price should get plenty of run support tonight as well with Matt Moore (3-5, 5.04) on the mound for Tampa Bay. The 27 year old southpaw is 3-4 for his career against Boston with a 5.40 ERA. The Rays have lost all but two of his last 10 starts.   2. Boston's Batting Advantage - The Red Sox are top of the major leagues for both batting average and on base percentage. The Rays on the other hand are in the bottom third for both categories and they're scoring just 3.59 runs per game home at the Trop while the Red Sox are averaging 5.50 per game on the road.  3. X-Factor - Moore surrendered four home runs in his last meeting with the Red Sox.  Selection: This is a play on the Boston Red Sox (8*)

The Chicago White Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday to improve to 5-2 in their past seven games. They'll open a three-game series with the Minnesota Twins Tuesday night following an off day for both teams, and I think the White Sox will be off to a fast start in the series.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The White Sox hand the ball to Jose Quintana (5-7, 3.04) who is coming off one of his worst outings of the season when he conceded six runs in 5 1/3 innings at Fenway. The White Sox hitters gave him plenty of run support though and Chicago won the game 8-6. Quintana has surrendered two runs in 13 innings in two wins against Minnesota this season and we can expect a strong bounce back outing from the left-hander. The Twins counter with Kyle Gibson (0-5, 6.05 ERA) who is 4-1 with a 2.06 ERA lifetime against Chicago. He lost the last meeting though when he conceded three runs in six innings on April 11. Gibson is not in the best of shape going 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA in three starts since returning from a six week stint on the DL. 2. Home Cookin' - The White Sox have won four of the past five meetings at US Cellular Field. The Twins are 4-13 in their last 17 road games against a team with a winning home record and 5-18 in their last 23 on the road coming up against a left-handed starter. 3. X-Factor - The White Sox's David Robertson has converted 20 of 22 save opportunities this year.  Selection: This is a play on the Chicago White Sox (8*)

The Cleveland Indians are riding a 10 game winning streak which have seen them move five games ahead of the Royals in the AL Central. The Atlanta Braves meanwhile remain dead last in the NL East and I think we'll see a one-sided affair in favor of the visitors at Turner Field Tuesday night.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Braves hand the ball to Matt Wisler (3-7, 4.22). The 23 year old has struggled in front of the home fans all year posting a 1-5 record behind a 4.45 ERA in nine starts at Turner Field. He's had a terrible month so far with a 7.59 ERA in four starts. The Tribe counter with Corey Kluber (7-7, 3.59 ERA) who tossed a complete game while surrendering just three hits and a pair of walks in a 7-0 win against the Rays his last start. Kluber is 10-2 with a 2.30 ERA against National League teams lifetime and should not have too much trouble with the league-worst Braves.  2. Home Woes - The Braves are 1-6 in their last seven interleague home games vs. a team with a winning record and they've lost seven of Wisler's last nine home starts overall.  3. X-Factor - Lonnie Chisenhall is a red hot 6-for-8 with two home runs and six RBIs in the last two games.  Selection: This is a play on the Cleveland Indians (8*)

The Texas Rangers won the opener of a three-game series with the New York Yankees in a spectacular fashion Monday night. The Rangers scored four runs at the top of the ninth following a three and a half hour long rain delay to steal the game 9-6. A huge morale-booster that I think will carry Texas to another win in the Bronx tonight.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Yankees hand the ball to CC Sabathia (5-4, 2.71). The left-hander is coming off his worst start of the year when he was reached for six runs (five earned) in 4 1/3 innings against the Rockies. Sabathia allowed three runs on five hits and three walks in six innings in a loss at Texas on April 27 and the current Rangers are batting a combined .291 against him. The Rangers counter with Cole Hamels (8-1, 2.79 ERA), another left-hander. The 32 year old is 3-0 in his last three turns with only a total of a pair of earned runs surrendered in 20 1/3 innings of work.  2. Situational - The Rangers have won 13 of their past 16 on the road and they're 5-2 in their last seven games against a left-handed starter.  3. X-Factor - Texas has scored a total of 38 runs during a 4-1 stretch.  Selection: This is a play on the Texas Rangers (10*)

The Los Angeles Angels put an end to a six-game slide that included three defeats to Houston when they picked up a 7-6 win against Oakland on Sunday. I think they'll ride that momentum to a revenge win against the Astros Monday night.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Astros hand the ball to Collin McHugh (5-5, 4.70 ERA) who allowed two runs in seven innings of a 3-2 home win against the Angels, not factoring in the decision his last start. McHugh has struggled on the road though where he's 2-3 with a 5.02 ERA in seven starts this year. The Angels counter with Matt Shoemaker (3-8, 4.43) who has given up just five runs and 15 hits while striking out 18 in 15 2/3 frames in two meetings with the Astros this year. 2. Motivational - The Angels sit dead last in the AL West but manager Mike Scioscia insists the team is still giving maximum effort. "No way will we ever give up on this year. We have more in us, with even this group of guys. Where we are in the standings doesn't matter. We still have confidence we're going to turn this thing around and get things going in the right direction." Yesterday's win where the Angels rallied to score five runs in the last three innings would suggest that Scioscia is right.   3. X-Factor - Albert Pujols is 5-for-10 in his last two games and 6-for-17 with a home run in previous meetings with McHugh.  Selection: This is a play on the Los Angeles Angels +1.5 (8*)

The Cleveland Indians are five games clear of second place Kansas City in the AL Central, and they come into Atlanta tonight as winners of nine in a row. The Braves have been playing well lately, winning eight of their last 11. My money is on the visitors who appear to have an edge when it comes to tonight's scheduled starters.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Trevor Bauer will be on the mound for the Tribe, coming off an outstanding performance in a win over Tampa. Bauer (5-2, 3.20 ERA) went the distance, striking out 10 while giving up just one run on three hits. He's actually been better on the road than he has been at home, going 3-1 with a 2.84 ERA in eight appearances away from Progressive Field.

2. Road Warriors - Cleveland has won 21 games on the road, which is 10 more than the Braves have won at home. The Braves are 8-18 in their last 26 home games versus a team with a winning road record.

3. X-Factor - The Braves rank dead last in the major leagues in runs scored, and their team batting average is just .237 so far in 2016.

Selection: This is a play on the Cleveland Indians (8*)

The Los Angeles Dodgers failed to win behind their ace Clayton Kershaw on Sunday and are now running the risk of getting swept in this four-game set at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates really needed this boost of confidence after a miserable month of June, and I think they'll be determined to make the most of their current good run.   Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Dodgers hand the ball to Scott Kazmir (5-3, 4.52 ERA) who has surrendered 13 runs (12 earned) on 13 hits and five walks over 9 2/3 innings in previous meetings with the Pirates. The left-hander is winless in his last three starts with a pair of team losses and his 7.71 ERA in afternoon games this season is significantly higher than his ERA under the lights. The Pirates counter with Francisco Liriano (4-7, 5.17 ERA) who is 4-0 with a 2.73 ERA in five career starts against the Dodgers.  2. Dodgers vs . Southpaws - The Dodgers are batting .226 against left-handers this season, tied with Philadelphia for the worst mark in the majors. They're 2-6 in their last eight games vs. a left-handed starter. 3. X-Factor - Pittsburgh has won eight consecutive meetings at PNC Park and 14 of the past 17 overall.  Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 (8*)

The Giants had won 12 of 13 before losing Game 2 of this home series versus the Phillies last night. The rubber match goes this afternoon, and I expect the Giants to bounce back with an easy win here at AT&T Park.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Johnny Cueto will be on the mound for the Giants, and he's been dominant in San Francisco. Cueto (11-1, 2.06 ERA) allowed one run on four hits, striking out six in 6.2 innings in a win at Pittsburgh in his last start. He's 4-1 with a 1.95 ERA in seven starts at home, and the Giants are 9-1 in his last 10 starts.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Philly is batting just .200 over a combined 55 at bats in previous meetings with Cueto. During that span they have struck out 13 times and managed just 11 hits.

3. X-Factor - The Phillies recorded the upset last night, but they had lost six straight at San Francisco previously.

Selection: This is a play on the San Francisco Giants -1.5 (10*)

The White Sox will host the Jays in the rubber match of a three game series at US Cellular Field Sunday, and Chicago is just a slight favorite with it's ace on the mound. This looks like a great spot to back the home team with a pitching mismatch in it's favor.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Chris Sale (12-2, 2.83 ERA) surrendered just one run on four hits, fanning nine in seven innings in a 3-1 win over Boston in his most recent start. The Jays counter with Marcus Stroman, who came into the season surrounded by hype. He's fallen flat on his face lately, surrendering 19 runs on 33 hits while losing three of his last four starts.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Sale absolutely owns Toronto's bats, limiting the Jays lineup to a .196 average over a combined 92 at bats. Toronto hitter have struck out 23 times while managing just 18 hits during that span.

3. X-Factor - The White Sox are 7-1 in Sales last eight home starts.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago White Sox (10*)

The Tampa Rays are now 12.5 games back of first place Baltimore in the AL East, and their current losing streak has reached 10 games. They try to avoid the sweep in the final game of a four game set at Camden Yards this afternoon, but this looks like a tough spot to break out of a slump.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Drew Smyly will be on the mound for the visitors, and he's had a disappointing season. Smyly (2-7, 4.78 ERA) allowed four runs on eight hits over seven innings in a loss to Cleveland in his last start. He's 2-3 with a 5.18 ERA in eight starts on the road in 2016. The Orioles counter with 26 year old right-hander Tyler Wilson, who has shown flashes of brilliance this season.

2. Home Cookin' -  The Orioles home record of 30-13 is by far the best in the majors. The Rays have lost six straight in Baltimore, and they are 0-4 in Smyly's last four road starts versus a team with a winning record.

3. X-Factor - The Rays are 0-9 in their last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter.

Selection: This is a play on the Baltimore Orioles (8*)

The St. Louis Cardinals will be an underdog in Seattle on Saturday night, after letting a 3-1 lead slip away in Game 1 Friday. The Mariners scored three in the bottom of the ninth to come back and win 4-3 last night. I'll take the Cards plus the runs in Game 2.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Mike Leake will be on the mound for the visitors, and Leake has always been good on the road. Nothing has changed this year, as Leake is 4-2 with a 3.81 ERA in eight starts away from Busch Stadium. A night game at pitcher friendly Safeco looks like a great spot for the right-hander.

2. Trends - The Mariners have lost seven of their last 10 versus St. Louis, and two of the three wins during that span came in games decided by just one run.

3. X-Factor - The Mariners are just 3-10 in their last 13 overall.

Selection: This is a play on the St. Louis Cardinals (8*)

The Pirates took Game 1 of this series versus the Dodgers by a score of 8-6, and I like Pittsburgh as a home dog on the runline in Game 2 Saturday afternoon. The Dodgers have a losing record on the road, and I don't think they deserve to be a favorite in this spot.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Dodgers will send Japanese right-hander Kenta Maeda to the mound, and the 28 year old has been impressive in his first season in the majors. The Pirates will counter with Jeff Locke, who has won four straight at home. Locke tossed 6.2 scoreless innings in a home win over the Giants in his last outing.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Dodgers haven't been able to do much damage in previous meetings with Locke, batting a combined .213 against the southpaw. Chase Utley is 1-for-8 lifetime versus Locke.

3. X-Factor - The Dodgers have won just three of their last seven road games, and two of those three wins were in games decided by one run.

Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 (8*)

The Royals are looking to snap a three game losing streak at home versus Houston tonight, but they had won eight of nine prior to this mini slump. Two of their last three games have been decided by a single run, and my money is on the Royals as an underdog on the runline tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Chris Young will go for the Royals, and he's been solid of late. The Royals have won back to back games with Young on the hill. The veteran is 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA in five home starts. The Astros counter with Mike Fiers, who owns an ERA of 6.19 in six appearances on the road.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Fiers hasn't fooled Kansas City's big bats, the lineup as a whole is batting .325 against the right-hander. Eric Hosmer is 2-for-5 lifetime versus Fiers, and he's hitting .328 at home this season.

3. X-Factor - The Astros are 1-5 in Fiers' last six road starts.

Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals 1.5 (8*)

After sweeping the Mets in New York, the Braves won Game 1 of this home series on Thursday. The Mets responded with an 8-6 win in Game 2, but I like the Braves as a dog in the rubber match. My money is on Atlanta plus the runs.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Julio Teheran is coming off a complete game (one-hit) shutout over the Mets in New York in his last start. Jacob deGrom was the opposing pitcher on that day, and he gave up three runs on five hits in six innings, losing 6-0.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - His last start against the Mets was no accident, Teheran has pitched well against New York throughout his career. The Mets are batting .188 over a combined 154 at bats against the Braves ace.

3. X-Factor - The Braves are 6-0 in their last six games versus a right-handed starter.

Selection: This is a play on the Atlanta Braves +1.5 (8*)

The Milwaukee Brewers come into Game 2 of this home series versus Washington off back-to-back wins. They look to make it three straight, and I like their chances as they face a struggling Nationals pitcher at home in this spot.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Matt Garza will make his third appearance of the season for the Brewers, and his first start in Milwaukee. He tossed six scoreless innings in a no decision versus the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine in his last outing. The Nats will send Gio Gonzalez to the mound, and the former 20 game winner is just 3-6 this season, and he's winless in his last six starts.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Gonzalez hasn't fooled the Brewers, who are hitting a combined .319 against him in past meetings. Jonathan Lucroy absolutely owns the left-hander, going 6-for-8 lifetime with three RBIs.

3. X-Factor - The Brewers are 6-0 in their last six home games versus a left-handed starter.

Selection: This is a play on the Milwaukee Brewers +1.5 (8*)

full analysis soon

full analysis soon

full analysis soon

The Los Angeles Angels have started the week by dropping three games at Houston, but I think they'll come up with a win as they return home to California for a four-game set with the Oakland Athletics. The Halos took two of three at Oakland last weekend and have won five of the past six meetings.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Halos hand the ball to Tim Lincecum (1-0, 1.50 ERA). The veteran is back in the majors following a year of rebab from hip surgery, and he impressed in his comeback last week when he held the A's to one run on four hits in six innings of a 7-1 victory. The performance improved his lifetime numbers against Oakland to 6-3 with a 2.60 ERA in 11 career starts. The A's counter with Kendall Graveman (2-6, 4.87 ERA) who is 1-3 with an atrocious 7.03 ERA in seven road starts this year.  2. Oakland's Offensive Woes - The A's have scored a total of just 11 runs in their last six games and they rank dead last in the AL in runs, RBI, on-base percentage and OPS this season.  3. X-Factor - Kole Calhoun is 4-for-11 with a double and a homer off Graveman and Albert Pujols 5-for-10 with a home run and a pair of walks.  Selection: This is a play on the Los Angeles Angels (10*)

Two bottom-feeding clubs with do battle Thursday night when the NL Central worst Cincinnati Reds host the NL West worst San Diego Padres for the opener of a four game set. The Padres have had big problems to win outside of Petco Park this season, and I like the price we get on the home team in this contest.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Reds hand the ball to John Lamb (1-4, 4.75). The left-hander fanned a season-high eight hitters while limiting the Astros to one run and three hits in 5 1/3 innings his last start. Lamb is still looking for his first win of the season at Great American Ballpark, despite posting a solid 3.29 ERA in five starts. The Padres counter with another left-hander, 28 year old Christian Friedrich (3-2, 3.15 ERA). He was lit up for six runs on nine hits and a pair of home runs in six innings of a 7-5 loss to the Nats his last start.  2. Road Woes - The Padres are 1-6 in their last seven when visiting a team with a losing record and 3-10 in their last 13 road games overall. The Reds are 18-7 in their last 25 home games against a team with a road winning % of less than .400. 3. X-Factor - Jay Bruce is riding an eight games hitting streak and he was 5-for-8 against Texas in Cincinnati's last series. Selection: This is a play on the Cincinnati Reds (10*)

The Boston Red Sox have not been at their very best lately and they're running the risk of getting swept in this four-game set against the Chicago White Sox. Thursday's pitching match-up suggests a massive advantage for Boston though, and I think it'll come through with a big win in the series finale. Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Red Sox hand the ball to Rick Porcello (8-2, 3.76) who won his last start when he limited Seattle to two runs on eight hits in six innings home at Fenway Park. Porcello has been dealing home in Boston all season long and enters this game with a perfect 6-0 record in six starts behind a respectable 3.03 ERA. The White Sox counter with James Shields (2-9, 6.28 ERA) who has been lit up in each of his first three starts with the White Sox, yielding a total of of 21 earned runs and 24 hits in 8 2/3 innings. 2. Home Cookin' - Home losses have been rare for the Red Sox this season as they entered this series with a 22-14 home record. They're 11-4 in their last 15 home games vs. a team with a losing record and will be determined to not get swept in front of the home town crowd. 3. X-Factor - Big Papi is batting .300 with nine doubles and three homers in 60 at bats versus Shields.  Selection: This is a play on the Boston Red Sox -1.5 (10*)

full analysis soon

full analysis soon

The Kansas City Royals are just a game back of Cleveland in the AL Central, and they come into New York as winners of three straight. This looks like a tough spot for the defensing champs though, as they send a struggling pitcher to the mound opposite the Mets ace in Game 2.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Danny Duffy will get the start for the Royals, and he's been pretty solid lately. Duffy (2-1, 3.17 ERA) surrendered three solo home runs in just five innings of work in a 10-4 loss to Detroit in his last start. He will not have much margin for error opposite Syndergaard today.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Syndergaard shutout the Royals earlier this season, and Kansas City is hitting a combined .150 against him. He's 3-1 with a 1.80 ERA at home at Citi Field in 2016.

3. X-Factor - The Royals are 2-10 in their last 12 road games, while the Mets are 8-1 in Syndergaard's last nine starts versus a team with a winning record.

Selection: This is a play on the New York Mets 1st 5 innings (8*)

The Detroit Tigers walked off in an 8-7 win in 12 innings in the series opener versus Seattle last night, and they look to carry that momentum over into Game 2 tonight. The Mariners have their work cut out for them, facing a resurgent Justin Verlander.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Verlander (7-5, 3.87 ERA) has won his last three starts, striking out 20 batters in just 20.2 innings. He's also won his last three home starts, striking out 28 batters in those three contests. The Mariners send James Paxton to the mound, and the southpaw could be in for a rough night against a Tigers team that feasts on left-handed pitching.

2. Home Cookin' - The Mariners have lost eight of their last 10 away from Safeco, and that trend seems likely to continue here in the Motor City. Verlander is 4-2 with a 3.26 ERA at home, and Miguel Cabrera is batting .385 at Comerica Park this season.

3. X-Factor - The Mariners are 3-8 in Paxton's last 11 road starts.

Selection: This is a play on the Detroit Tigers 1st 5 innings (8*)

The Philadelphia Phillies showed some promise at the beginning of this season, but they've fallen apart the last few weeks. They've lost six in a row, and 10 of their last 11 overall. I like Arizona to put the finishing touches on a four game sweep in Philly this afternoon.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The D'Backs will send Shelby Miller to the mound, making his first start since coming off the DL. It's been a challenging season for Miller, but he's 3-2 with a 2.54 ERA in seven starts lifetime versus the Phillies. Prior to this year he posted a record of 11-5 with a 2.58 ERA in 25 starts in day games (2013-15).

2. Jean Jean "The Hitting Machine" - Second baseman Jean Segura is hitting .409 over the last seven days, and he's crushing right-handed pitching, batting .320 with four home runs and 22 RBIs.

3. X-Factor - The Phillies are 0-5 in Hellicksons last five starts.

Selection: This is a play on the Arizona Diamondbacks (8*)

The reeling Pittsburgh Pirates have lost nine of their past 10 games. They're running the risk of getting swept over three games by their division rival the Chicago Cubs here on Sunday night, and I think we're getting a reasonable price on the currently superior Cubs.   Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Pirates hand the ball to 24 year old Jameson Taillon (1-0, 1.93 ERA) who will make his third start in the majors. The rookie is coming off an extraordinary outing when he held the Mets to two hits over eight scoreless innings, but I think he's due for a let down game here. The Cubs counter with Kyle Hendricks (4-6, 3.05) who was 0-1 with a 6.63 ERA in four starts against the Pirates last year. The 26 year old is enjoying a solid season though and this is a great time to face the Pirates and their ice cold bats.  2. Pittsburgh's Struggles To Score - The Pirates have averaged 3.25 runs per game behind a .219 batting average here in June. They've scored just nine runs during their current four-game slide.  3. X-Factor - The Cubs have won seven of eight meetings this season.  Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Cubs (8*)

The Detroit Tigers have lost two of the first three games in this series in Kansas City, and last night's loss was particularly embarrassing. The Tigers were forced to use a position player on the mound in the bottom of the eighth inning of a blowout loss. I like Detroit's chances of getting back on track here in Game 4.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Jordan Zimmerman will go for Detroit, and he's having a fine season so far. Zimmerman (9-3, 3.46 ERA) allowed six runs on eight hits over seven innings in a win at Chicago in his last outing. He's been better on the road than he has been at home, with a record of 4-1, with a 2.16 ERA in five starts. He's also been better in day games, going 4-1 with a 2.97 ERA in five starts in the afternoon.

2. Justin Upton - The Tigers left fielder comes in riding an eight game hitting streak, and he was 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs in last night's game. He's hitting .333 lifetime versus Chris Young (15 at bats).

3. X-Factor - The Tigers are 5-0 in Zimmermanns last 5 starts vs. American League Central.

Selection: This is a play on the Detroit Tigers 1st 5 innings (8*)

 The surging Texas Rangers have won seven of their past eight games and are going for a three-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday afternoon. I think the Cardinals will up their game here in the series finale to avoid a sweep.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Cardinals hand the ball to Mike Leake (5-4, 4.08) who has posted a 2.03 ERA in two career starts against the Rangers. Leake held Arizona scoreless over seven innings his last start at Busch Stadium and he's 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in two day starts this season. The Rangers counter with Martin Perez (6-4, 3.38 ERA) who has won five straight starts. He was far from sharp his last outing though when he conceded four runs on nine hits in seven innings at Oakland. Perez's 4.38 ERA on the road is way higher than his 2.61 mark home at Arlington.  2. Situational - The Cardinals are 35-16 in their last 51 games after losing the first two games of a series and they've won five of their last seven games against left-handed starters. Texas is 0-5 in Perez's last five road starts vs. a team with a winning record. 3. X-Factor - The Cardinals will be looking for revenge after blowing a 3-0 lead with only four outs left yesterday. That won't happen again.  Selection: This is a play on the St. Louis Cardinals (8*)

The Seattle Mariners and the Boston Red Sox have split the first two meetings this three-game series at Fenway Park. I think the home team will claim the rubber match Sunday afternoon behind its staff ace. Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Red Sox hand the ball to David Price (7-4, 4.52). The left-hander has lost three consecutive starts despite some solid pitching, and he's held seven straight opponents to three runs or fewer. He should get more run support today against a Seattle team that he's 2-1 with a 2.48 ERA against in five career meetings. The Mariners counter with Taijuan Walker (3-6, 3.69 ERA) who will make his first career start against Boston. Walker left Tuesday's start at Tampa Bay after just 3 1/3 innings due to a foot injury, but not before he had conceded four runs on three hits with a pair of homers. Walker has served up seven home runs in his last three outings, and the lingering foot injury might force him to an early exit today as well.  2. Road Woes - The Mariners have lost five of Walker's last six starts on the road and six of their past eight away from home overall. They're 5-12 in the last 17 meetings in Boston. 3. X-Factor - Both Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley Jr. homered in Saturday's 6-2 win.  Selection: This is a play on the Boston Red Sox (6*)

The reeling Pittsburgh Pirates have lost eight of their last nine games after getting shut out in a 6-0 defeat to the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon. They've dropped 13 games behind Chicago in NL Central standings, and I think they'll be even further back after tonight's contest.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Cubs hand the ball to Jon Lester (8-3, 1.89). The left-hander has been almost as dominant as Jake Arrieta this season and he has allowed just two earned runs over 30 1/3 innings in his last four starts. Lester has posted a 1.52 ERA in six starts against the Pirates who he's held to one run in 12 1/3 innings this year. The Pirates counter with another left-hander in Jonathon Niese (6-3, 4.60 ERA) who was knocked around for eight runs and 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings against the Cardinals his last start. Niese has posted a 4.44 ERA in four career outings at Wrigley Field. 2. Road Woes - The Pirates have won just one of their past eight games on the road and they've lost four of the past five meetings at Wrigley.  3. X-Factor - The Cubs are 19-6 against the National League Central opponents.  Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Cubs (6*)

Oakland edged out the Angels in with a walkoff hit in the bottom on the ninth in a 3-2 win last night, but I like LA in Game 2. The Athletics are dead last in the AL West, and they've won just three of their last 13 overall. My money is on LAA.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Two time Cy Young winner and World Series champion Tim Lincecum will be back on the mound in the major leagues with the Angels. He's been pitching well in Triple A, striking out eight in seven innings of one-run ball in his last start. He draws a favorable match-up starting opposite a rookie right-hander coming out of the Oakland bullpen for a spot start.

2. Bullpens - Neither starter is expected to go deep into this game, and that means the relief pitchers will likely play a big role. Oakland's bullpen ranks near the bottom of the majors with a combined 4.70 ERA.

3. X-Factor - The Halos have taken seven of the last nine meetings in this series.

Selection: This is a play on the LA Angels (10*)

Oakland edged out the Angels in with a walkoff hit in the bottom on the ninth in a 3-2 win last night, but I expect more scoring this afternoon. The Athletics are dead last in the AL West, and they've won just three of their last 13 overall. My money is on the OVER.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Two time Cy Young winner and World Series champion Tim Lincecum will be back on the mound in the major leagues with the Angels. He's been pitching well in Triple A, striking out eight in seven innings of one-run ball in his last start. He draws a favorable match-up starting opposite a rookie right-hander coming out of the Oakland bullpen for a spot start.

2. Bullpens - Neither starter is expected to go deep into this game, and that means the relief pitchers will likely play a big role. Oakland's bullpen ranks near the bottom of the majors with a combined 4.70 ERA.

3. X-Factor - The Over is 15-7-2 in the last 24 meetings.

Selection: This is a play on LAA@OAK to go OVER the total (10*)

The defending AL East champs have turned it on in recent weeks. They've won six of their last seven overall, and three of those wins came against the Orioles. I like Toronto to take advantage of a mismatch on the mound here in Game 1 at Camden Yards.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Aaron Sanchez will be on the mound for the Jays, and his last start came against the Orioles. Toronto jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in that game, and Sanchez allowed just two runs through his first four innings. He ran into trouble in the fifth, and finished with seven strikeouts after allowing six runs on 10 hits over five innings. The 23 year old has been fantastic on the road, going 4-0 with a 2.36 ERA in seven starts.

2. Toronto's Bats - The Jays hit five home runs in Thursday's blowout win at Philadelphia. Edwin Encarnacion hit his 18th of the season, and he's hit six in his last six games. He's hit .295 with eight home runs and 21 RBIs at Camden Yards over the last three seasons.

3. X-Factor - The Orioles are 0-4 in Wright's last four starts versus the Blue Jays.

Selection: This is a play on the Toronto Blue Jays (1st 5 innings).

The defending AL East champs have turned it on in recent weeks. They've won six of their last seven overall, and three of those wins came against the Orioles. I like Toronto to take advantage of a mismatch on the mound here in Game 1 at Camden Yards.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Aaron Sanchez will be on the mound for the Jays, and his last start came against the Orioles. Toronto jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in that game, and Sanchez allowed just two runs through his first four innings. He ran into trouble in the fifth, and finished with seven strikeouts after allowing six runs on 10 hits over five innings. The 23 year old has been fantastic on the road, going 4-0 with a 2.36 ERA in seven starts.

2. Toronto's Bats - The Jays hit five home runs in Thursday's blowout win at Philadelphia. Edwin Encarnacion hit his 18th of the season, and he's hit six in his last six games. He's hit .295 with eight home runs and 21 RBIs at Camden Yards over the last three seasons.

3. X-Factor - The Orioles are 0-4 in Wright's last four starts versus the Blue Jays.

Selection: This is a play on the Toronto Blue Jays (1st 5 innings).

The surging Washington Nationals took two of three from the MLB-leading Cubs in their last series and are coming to San Diego as winners of eight of their past 10 games. The San Diego Padres meanwhile had lost four straight before ending the skid with a 6-3 win against the Fish last night, but I think they'll find it hard to record back-to-back wins.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Padres hand the ball to Erik Johnson (0-3, 7.71) who will make his second start for the team since joining in the trade that sent James Shields to the White Sox. Johnson struggled in his first start for the club and surrendered five runs on nine hits in 4 2/3 innings of a 5-3 loss at Coors Field. Johnson has allowed at least four runs in each of his three starts this year and has already served up a total of seven homers. The Nats counter with Tanner Roark who is 2-0 with a 0.45 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against the Padres. The Nats have won each of his last three starts and Roark threw seven scoreless innings against the Phillies his last start.  2. Road Warriors - Washington has won 10 of its past 14 on the road and four of the past five meetings with the Padres at Petco Park.  3. X-Factor - The Padres' bullpen's ERA is more than one and a half higher than the Nats' which ranks among the top five in the major leagues.  Selection: This is a play on the Washington Nationals (8*)

The Mariners played a 13 inning marathon in Tampa last night, losing by a score of 3-2. I think we'll see another pitcher's duel at "The Trop" here on Thursday afternoon. My money is on the under in Game 3 in St. Petersburg.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Mariners will send southpaw James Paxton to the mound, and he's been sharp in three appearances this season. Paxton (0-2, 2.25 ERA) held the Rangers scoreless through 6.1 innings, fanning seven in a no-decision in his last outing. He has 24 strikeouts in just 16 innings pitched so far. The Rays counter with rookie Blake Snell, who dazzled in his big league debut.

2. Evan Longoria - The veteran leads Tampa in home runs (16), batting average (.278), as well as RBIs (40). He left last night's game with an injury, and his status is in doubt for the series finale.

3. X-Factor - The under is 21-8-1 in Tampa's last 30 home games.

Selection: This is a play on SEA@TB to go UNDER the total (10*)

The Oakland A's are 12.5 games back of first place Texas, yet they are a significant favorite at home in Game 3 versus the Rangers Wednesday. Oakland sends it's ace to the mound, but he has twice as many losses as he does wins so far. My money is on Texas plus the runs.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Sonny Gray (3-6, 5.34 ERA) allowed a pair of runs on five hits over 7.1 innings in a 2-1 loss at Cincinnati in his last start. He's winless in his last seven starts, and he was roughed up badly in his last home start. Gray surrendered five runs on six hits over just 3.1 innings, losing 8-3 to the Yankees.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Ryan Rua is 4-for-7 with a pair of home runs and five RBIs in the first two games of this series, and he's 4-for-9 lifetime versus Gray.

3. X-Factor - Derek Holland has pitched well in previous visits to Oakland, going 1-1 with a 2.92 ERA in four starts since 2013.

Selection: This is a play on the Texas Rangers +1.5 (8*)

The Indians have seen their lead at the top of the American League Central shrink to just one game ahead of the Royals after losing back-to-back games at Kansas City. They come into the series finale as favorites, and I like the Royals to complete the sweep.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Indians will send Corey Kluber to the mound, and he's coming off consecutive wins. Kluber (6-6, 3.65 ERA) went the distance, throwing a season high 114 pitches in a 6-2 win at LA in his last start. His previous high was 111 pitches in a complete game shutout win over Detroit. He followed that up by giving up five runs on five hits in just 2 2/3 innings in a loss at Houston.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Eric Hosmer is 5th in the American League batting .317 on the season, and he's been reasonably successful against Kluber, hitting .262 with three home runs and a dozen RBIs in 41 career at bats.

3. X-Factor - The Royals still have the best bullpen in the major leagues, led by closer Wade Davis who boasts an ERA of 1.16.

Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals +1.5 (8*)

The Mariners have lost three straight, but two of those losses came in games decided by just one run. They are an underdog in Tampa here tonight, and I like the Mariners to bounce back after blowing a lead last night. My money is on Seattle plus the runs.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Nathan Karns will get the nod for Seattle, and he's facing his former team for the first time. Karns (5-2, 4.09 ERA) allowed one run on two hits, but walked five over 4 1/3 innings in a 5-3 loss to Cleveland his last time out. He's 3-1 with a 4.83 ERA in six starts on the road in 2016, and he should do well in familiar territory tonight.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Drew Smyly has surrendered a whopping 20 runs while going winless in his last four starts. Kyle Seager homered last night, and he's hitting .375 lifetime versus Smyly.

3. X-Factor - The Mariners rank second in the American League in runs scored, while Tampa ranks near the bottom of the majors with a team batting average of .236.

Selection: This is a play on the Seattle Mariners +1.5 (6*)

Both the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals are sitting top of their respective division, and they have split the first two of a three-game set at Nationals Park. The Cubs tied the series with a 4-3 win last night, and I think the visitors can record another upset in the rubber match.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Nats hand the ball to Stephen Strasburg (10-0, 3.03). He has not faced the Cubs since 2013, but Jason Heyward has had plenty of success against the 27 year old with a .412 batting average over 34 at bats. Strasburg was charged with four runs on five hits in seven innings against the Phillies his last start. The Cubs counter with Jason Hammel (7-2, 2.36 ERA) who faced the Nationals at Wrigley on May 7 when he allowed three runs and four hits over five innings in an 8-5 Cubs win without factoring in the decision. He is 9-0 with a 3.16 ERA in 12 career starts against Washington.  2. Cubs vs. Quality Pitchers - Chicago is averaging 5.40 runs per game and it has lit up more than one staff ace on the season. The Cubs have won seven of their last eight when facing a starting pitcher with a WHIP less than 1.15.  3. X-Factor - Bryce Harper is 2-for-14 with five strikeouts against Hammels and he is just 5-for-26 in previous meetings with the Cubs this season.  Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Cubs +1.5 (8*)

The Marlins scored five times in the top of the first inning in last night's win at PETCO, and they may get off to another fast start here in the series finale Wednesday afternoon. The Padres turn to a struggling pitcher, and their defense hasn't done them any favors either. San Diego's fielding percentage of .981 ranks 28th in the major leagues.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - With Tyson Ross on the DL and James Shields traded to Chicago, 23 year old right-hander Luis Perdomo is getting a shot in the rotation. So far it's been nothing short of a disaster, as he's conceded 10 runs on 18 hits over 10 innings in two starts since coming out of the bullpen. He wasn't exactly effective as a reliever either, posting an ERA of 10.17 in nine appearances in the month of April.

2. San Diego's Bullpen - The Padres relief pitchers have posted an ERA of 4.68 so far this season. The only two teams that rank worse are Cincinnati and Texas, and at least they have the excuse of pitching in a hitter's park.

3. X-Factor - The Marlins have gone over the total in seven of their last 10 on the road, and the OVER is 6-2 in Nicolino's last 8 starts overall.

Selection: This is a play on the Marlins@Padres to go OVER the total (1st 5 innings).

The Reds scored in the ninth inning to come from behind and win Game 1 by a score of 9-8 in Atlanta. They face the Braves ace in Game 2 Tuesday, and we should see a much lower scoring game at Turner Field tonight. I think the Braves should have the edge through the first five innings.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Braves will turn to Julio Teheran, who has been dominant in previous encounters with Cincinnati. Teheran (2-6, 2.85 ERA) struck out eight in eight innings in a 4-2 win over the Padres in his last outing. He's 2-1 with a stellar 1.78 ERA in his last four start versus the Reds.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Reds have hit just .195 over a combined 41 at bats versus Teheran. Brandon Phillips is 1-for-11 lifetime, while Jay Bruce is just 2-for-12 versus the 25 year old.

3. X-Factor - The Reds are 17-38 in their last 55 road games.

Selection: This is a play on the Atlanta Braves 1st 5 innings (8*)

The Pittsburgh Pirates suffered a three-game sweep at the hands of the Cardinals over the weekend, and they enter Tuesday's match-up against the New York Mets on a five-game skid. They took two of three from the Mets at Pittsburgh last week, but I think the Mets will prevail at Citi Field tonight.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Pirates hand the ball to Jameson Taillon (0-0, 4.50 ERA) who made his debut in the big leagues last week. He allowed three runs on six hits and a pair of walks over six innings without factoring in the decision of a 6-5 loss to the Mets who counter with Jacob deGrom (3-2, 2.80 ERA). He has been stellar lately with five earned runs allowed and 26 strikeouts in 20 innings in his last three starts. DeGrom is still looking for his first career win against the Pirates despite posting a 2.33 ERA in three meetings, but tonight could very well be the night.  2. Situational - The Mets have returned home following an eight-game road swing and got yesterday off. They're 4-1 in their last five home games following a road trip of seven or more days and 20-7 in their last 27 games following an off day. 3. X-Factor - The Pirates bullpen has a 4.06 ERA this season but might be called into action early if their rookie starter were to struggle.  

Selection: This is a play on the New York Mets (8*)

The Miami Marlins have a winning road record for the season, but the team has won just two of its first six games on a nine-game trek. The road-swing will conclude with a three-game series at Petco Park Monday night, and I think the Fish will come out victorious here in the opener.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Padres hand the ball to Colin Rea (3-2, 4.74) who allowed three runs on six hits and two walks over seven innings in a no-decision Tuesday against Atlanta. Rea has a 4.24 ERA in 13 career appearances (12 starts) at home as he enters his first matchup with the Marlins who counter with Wei-Yin Chen (3-2, 4.56 ERA). The left-hander surrendered five runs on nine hits with three homers in 5 1/3 innings of a no-decision at Minnesota his last start. That was just the fourth time in 12 starts this year that he surrendered more than three runs though, and Chen has good numbers against several San Diego hitters, among them Wil Myers who is 2-for-12.  2. San Diego's Bats - The Padres have struggled to generate offense all season long and their .289 on base percentage is the second worst mark in the major leagues. They're scoring just 3.79 runs per game home at Petco Park.  3. X-Factor - The Padres have lost nine of their past 10 games when coming up against a team with a winning record.  Selection: This is a play on the Miami Marlins (8*)

The Kansas City Royals are still in striking distance in the AL Central, trailing first place Cleveland by just three games. The Indians are in town for a three game series beginning Monday, and my money is on the Royals plus the runs as the home dog.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Indians send Carlos Carrasco to the mound, and the right-hander is coming off a loss at Seattle. Carrasco (2-1, 3.48 ERA) allowed four runs on five hits over 6 2/3 innings in that game. The Royals will counter with Edinson Volquez, who boasts a stellar 2.38 ERA in seven starts at home this season.

2. Home Cookin' - The Royals are 40-16 in their last 56 home games vs. a right-handed starter, and they've won 17 of Volquez's last 22 home starts.

3. X-Factor - The Royals bullpen is ranked 1st the majors, led by closer Wade Davis who boasts an ERA of 1.16.

Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals +1.5.

The Chicago Cubs are coming off back-to-back blowout wins in Atlanta, out-scoring the Braves 21-4 in the final two games of the series. They are on the road in Washington Monday for Game 1 of a new series versus the Nats, and I like the Cubs as an underdog plus the runs.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Mad Max Scherzer will be on the mound for Washington, and the Nats are just 5-5 in his last 10 starts. One of his worst performances of the season came against the Cubs, as he was torched for seven runs on seven hits, including a pair of home runs and three walks over just five innings in an 8-6 loss at Wrigley. The Cubs counter with Kyle Hendricks, who has held the opposition to two runs or less in seven of his last eight starts.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Scherzer is dominant against right-handed batters, but not so much against lefties. The Cubs lineup is loaded with left-handed power, with Jason Heyward, Anthony Rizzo and the switch-hitting Ben Zobrist. Heyward is 4-for-8 lifetime versus Scherzer.

3. X-Factor - The Cubs have won six straight in this series, and they are 37-17 in their last 54 road games.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Cubs +1.5 (8*)

The Dodgers took the lead in the 10th inning in San Francisco last night, but Buster Posey would win it with a walkoff single in the bottom of the inning. The Giants are now four games clear at the top of the NL West, and after earning a split in the first two games, I like San Fran in the rubber match.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - It will be the cagey veteran Jake Peavy starting opposite the Dodgers 19 year old phenom Julio Urias. The rookie is coming off a fantastic performance against Colorado, striking out seven while allowing a run on four hits in four innings. He wasn't very efficient though, as he used 86 pitches to get through those four innings. Peavy has won two of his last three starts, surrendering just one run in those victories.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Dodgers have been stymied by Peavy, managing just a .193 average over a combined 145 at bats. Chase Utley is 1-for-17 with five strikeouts lifetime versus Peavy.

3. X-Factor - The Giants have won 20 of their last 28 overall, and seven of their last nine at AT&T Park.

Selecton: This is a play on the San Francisco Giants (10*)

The Mariners slipped to four games back of first place Texas in the Al West with an extra-innings loss last night. We've seen a couple of low scoring games in the first two games of this series at Safeco, and another pitcher's duel is expected here on Sunday.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Wade Miley will get the start for Seattle, and he comes in riding a nine game unbeaten streak. Miley (6-2, 5.27 ERA) tossed seven scoreless innings, giving up just four hits in a home win over Cleveland in his last start. The southpaw is 3-1 with a 4.22 ERA in five starts at Safeco this season. The Rangers send Cole Hamels to the mound, and he hasn't been sharp in recent starts at Safeco, going 1-1 with a 5.54 ERA.

2. Previous History - The Mariners have prevailed in eight of Miley's last nine starts, and seven straight when he's had four days of rest.

3. X-Factor - The Rangers have been playing with a depleted lineup, missing starters Adrian Beltre and Shin Soo Choo due to injury.

Selection: This is a play on the Seattle Mariners +1.5 (8*)

The Reds have defeated Oakland by an identical 2-1 score in each of the first two games in this series. With both teams turning to the back end of the rotation in the series finale, I expect to see a lot more offense today. My money is on the over for the 1st five innings of play.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Oakland will send Kendall Graveman to the mound, and the 25 year old has been getting hit hard lately. Graveman (2-6, 5.49 ERA) was roughed up in a 6-5 loss to Houston in his last outing, surrendering five runs on seven hits in 4.1 innings. He's a woeful 1-3 with a 7.71 ERA on the road in 2016.

2. Fielding - The Reds rank dead last in the majors with a fielding percentage of .978. Oakland isn't much better, ranking 25th overall.

3. X-Factor - The over is 14-6-2 in Reds last 22 home games versus a right-handed starter.

Selection: This is a play on OAK@CIN to go OVER (1st 5 innings)

The New York Yankees will be looking to match their longest winning streak of the season with a sixth consecutive win Saturday afternoon. The Detroit Tigers did not pose much of a threath in Friday's 4-0 win, and I think the Bronx Bombers will prove to strong again today.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Yankees hand the ball to Masahiro Tanaka. The 27 year old workhorse has worked at least seven innings in nine of his 12 starts this year, and held opponents to two runs or fewer in 10. Tanaka has allowed six earned runs and 13 hits in 11 1/3 innings in two career meetings with Detroit, but the Tigers have mustered just five runs in their past three games. Detroit counters with Justin Verlander (5-5, 3.97 ERA) who is 0-4 with a 4.84 ERA in seven games at the current Yankee Stadium.  2. The Tigers' Bullpen - Detroit's relievers have a combined ERA of 4.34 this season while allowing opponents a .270 batting average.  3. X-Factor - The Yankees' are 6-2 in Tanaka's last eight home starts against a team with a winning record. Selection: This is a play on the New York Yankees (8*)

The St. Louis Cardinals are nine games back of the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central, but they've won five of their last six to overtake the Pittsburgh Pirates for second place in the division. A six-run 12th inning saw them win the opener of a three-game series against the Pirates at PNC Park last night, but I think the home team will tie up the series Saturday night.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Pitching - The Bucs hand the ball to Francisco Liriano (4-5, 5.25) who was lit up for seven runs on 10 hits and four walks in 3 1/3 innings on June 3. He has received some extra rest following that disastrous outing, and he's 7-2 with a 2.41 ERA versus St. Louis which counters with Carlos Martínez (6-5, 3.76 ERA). Martinez is 2-4 with a 4.57 ERA versus the Pirates and lasted just 3 1/3 innings of a 4-2 loss against Pittsburgh on May 6 due to fatigue. Liriano recorded 10 strikeouts while holding the Cards to a pair of runs in seven innings in that very same contest.  2. Home Cookin' - The Cardinals are 7-1 in their last eight home games against a team with a winning road record, and they're 14-2 in Liriano's last 16 home starts. The Cardinals are 1-4 in the last five meetings in Pittsburgh. 3. X-Factor - Gregory Polanco is 8-for-14 with a pair of doubles, a triple and five walks in previous meetings with Martinez.  Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Pirates (8*)