The Cincinnati Reds are still residing at the bottom of the NL Central, but the team has shown some life in recent weeks with wins in five of its past eight games. The Oakland Athletics lost 2-1 in the opener of this three game series on Friday, their sixth straight defeat, and I think the Reds will be victorious again today.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Reds hand the ball to Dan Straily (3-2, 3.34) who's really making the most of his time on the mound this season. His season ERA is a full run lower than his career mark, and he's been particularly successful home at Great American Ball Park where he's 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA in seven outings while limiting opponents to a .172 batting average. The A's counter with 23 year old Daniel Mengden who will make his major leagues debut. Mengden has posted impressive numbers in the minors, but his welcome to the big leagues could be a harsh one.

2. The Reds' Bats - Only the Orioles have scored more runs than the Reds and their 58 runs in nine games so far in in June. Adam Duvall has 12 RBIs during a career-high eight-game hitting streak and Brandon Phillips is riding a 13-game hitting streak.

3. X-Factor - The A's have been held to two runs or fewer in four of their games during their current losing streak.

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