The Pittsburgh Pirates lost the opener of a three game set against the Cincinnati Reds last night and have now suffered four straight defeats. I think they look good to break their luck tonight though as they send an undefeated pitcher to the mound.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Gerrit Cole (4-0, 1.76 ERA) will toe the slab for the Pirates coming off four straight "Ws" after the Pirates lost his season opener to the Reds with the 24 year old not factoring in the decision. He's struck out at least six in each of his five outings on the year and has yet to allow more than three runs in any of his appearances this season. He's won both starts at PNC Park while compiling a 1.50 ERA over 12 innings and was a dominant 5-1 with a 3.39 ERA home in Pittsburgh last year. The Reds will counter with Mike Leake (1-1, 3.03 ERA) who's off eight scoreless innings at Atlanta where he gave up just two hits, but also two walks. He pitched against Cole in his season debut without factoring in the decision in a 5-4 win where he surrendered three runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings. He did allowed six walks as well though and such control issues will not go unpunished forever.

2. Trends- The Reds are a pathetic 0-9 in Leake's last nine starts as a road underdog and the Reds as a team are just 8-31 in their last 39 games as a road underdog.

3. X-Factor - Cincinnati's bullpen ranks dead last in the majors for the season with a 5.10 ERA.

Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Pirates (8*)