The New York Yankees will be looking to complete the sweep of a four-game series with their division rival the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. The Birds have struggled to score runs lately and I think the Yankees will clinch this contest.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Yankees hand the ball to CC Sabathia (5-7, 3.94). The left-hander has struggled lately going 0-3 in his last five turns. He's had good success against the Orioles throughout his career though as he seeks his 20th career win against the Birds and his 15th while with the Yankees. He held Baltimore scoreless on two hits in five innings at Camden Yards in the last meeting. The Orioles counter with Chris Tillman (13-2, 3.29 ERA) who is enjoying a career best year so far. Tillman is 4-6 with a 4.87 ERA in 18 career starts against the Yankees though and he was tagged with five runs in 5 2/3 innings on June 3 in the most recent meeting.

2. Baltimore's Bats - The Birds have scored just 10 runs in six games since the All Star break. The flu-ridden Manny Machado and Chris Davis missed Wednesday's contest, and although they're likely to play today one must wonder if they'll still not feel the effect of the illness.

3. X-Factor - A-Rod is 7-for-19 with five homers off Tillman.

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