The New York Mets shut out the St. Louis Cardinals in a 5-0 win as they salvaged a split of a four-game set home at Citi Field. Tonight they're coming to PNC Park to take on the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of a three-game series. Pittsburgh has won just one of its last seven games, and I would not be surprised to see the visitors record an upset here.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Mets will hand the ball to Noah Syndergaard (1-1, 3.18 ERA) who'll make his third start filling in for Dillon Gee who is out with a groin injury. The way Syndergaard has pitched he might very well make that spot in the rotation his own as he's off his first career win when he held the Brewers to just one run on three hits over six innings. His stamina is not the best, but the Mets bullpen that ranks among the best in the major leagues is ready to step in just about any time. The Pirates will counter with Gerrit Cole (5-2, 2.40) who's had a terrific start to the year, but he's 0-2 with a 8.00 ERA in two home starts against New York over his career.

2. Pittsburgh's Offensive Woes - The Pirates have scored three runs or less in five of their last seven games.

3. X-Factor - Lucas Duda's experience against Cole is rather limited going 1-for-3 over previous meetings, but he's coming in swinging a hot bat going 3-for-3 with two homers and a walk against the Cardinals yesterday.

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