The Texas Rangers shocked everyone coming off a three game sweep against the surging Astros holding their opponent to just five runs total. I wouldn't count on more success tonight though as they open a four-game set at Tropicana Field, and I'm backing the home-team to take the opener.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Rays will hand the ball to Chris Archer (3-3, 1.64 ERA) who's coming off a disappointing performance at Baltimore where he surrendered four runs on six hits over six innings. He had been dominant over two home-starts prior though and tossed seven scoreless innings allowing just two hits in a 5-1 win against the offensively potent Blue Jays his last start in Tampa. He's had good success against Texas in the past going 1-0 in three career starts with a 2.25 ERA over 20 innings. The Rangers will counter with Nick Martinez (2-0, 0.84 ERA) who's coming off his worst outing on the season as he allowed five runs, two earned, on seven hits over six innings against the A's. He's currently is second in the majors in ERA despite averaging just 3.66 strikeouts per nine innings which ranks among the lowest in baseball.

2. Texas Lack Of Consistency - Stringing wins together is usually nothing that comes easy for Texas as it's 2-10 in its last 12 games following a win. They could be in trouble here winning just two of the last eight meetings with Tampa Bay.

3. X-Factor - Chris Archer has the current members of the Rangers limited to a combined batting average of .224. Adrian Beltre was 3-for-5 against the Astros last night but is just 1-for-9 over previous meetings with Archer.

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Bay Rays (8*)