The Pittsburgh Pirates have won nine of their last 12, but they've relied heavily on their starting pitcher's during that span, as the offense has been struggling. The Pirates failed to score more than three runs nine times in that 12 game span. Last night's series opener was decided by just one run, and I am expecting another close game here tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Gerrit Cole will get the nod for the Pirates, and he's working on a six game winning streak. Cole (11-2, 1.78 ERA) gave up two runs on three hits and three walks over seven frames in a 3-2 win over the White Sox. The only team that has given him trouble this season is the Reds, as he's 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in two starts. The Reds will counter with Mike Leake, who tossed seven shutout innings in a win over Miami in his last outing.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Reds lineup has hit a combined .296 versus Cole, and Todd Frazier is hitting .364 with a a pair of home runs and four RBIs versus the right-hander.

3. X-Factor - Leake has owned the Pirates, going 1-0 with a 1.98 ERA in two starts versus Pittsburgh this season, and 5-1 with a 3.45 ERA in 15 starts since 2012.

Selection: This is a play on the Cincinnati Reds +1.5 (8*)