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*)