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*)