The top two teams in the NL Central will clash tonight as the St. Louis Cardinals are hosting the Chicago Cubs in the opener of a four-game set at Busch Stadium. The Cubs are off back-to-back losses to the Brewers while the Cardinals are off a pair of three game sweeps against the Phillies and most recently the Pirates. Each of their three games against the Pirates were decided by just one run and in extra innings though, and I think Chicago will be able to keep this a close game.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Cubs will hand the ball to Travis Wood (2-1 , 3.04 ERA) who's bounced back well after a disappointing season debut and the Cubs have won each of his last three starts with Wood's allowing just five runs on 12 hits over 15 innings. He's 5-6 with a 5.18 ERA over his career against the Cardinals but might catch them at a good time here as St. Louis has scored just seven runs over its last three games. The Cardinals will counter with 23 year old right-hander Carlos Martinez (3-0, 1.73 ERA) who'll be looking for a fourth consecutive decision. This will be his first start against the Cubs after posting a 2.61 ERA in 10 relief appearances against them, but we can note that the Cubs are 6-1 in their last seven when facing a right-hander starter.

2. Road Warriors - The Cubs went a respectable 4-6 at Busch Stadium last season and they have a much improved line-up for this season. It's also worth noting that the Cubs are 6-2 in their last eight away from home and 4-1 in their last five as a road underdog.

3. X-Factor - Chicago's Carlo Montero was 2-for-3 in last night's 5-3 loss against the Brew Crew and he's 9-for-19 over a five-game hitting streak.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Cubs +1.5 (8*)