The Chicago Cubs have lost three of their last four games, scoring only seven runs in the process and were shut out in a 3-0 loss to the Nats yesterday. Kansas City Royals have struggled of late as well, coming off four consecutive losses, but this should be a good spot for them to finally get back on track.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Cubs will hand the ball to Jake Arrieta (4-4, 2.95 ERA who is coming in win-less over his last two starts. He was torched for six runs (three earned) on seven hits with two walks over six innings his last start. The Royals will counter with Edinson Volquez (4-3, 2.77 ERA) who is off back-to-back wins, allowing just two runs on seven hits over 13 innings. He has been very effective in the daylight this season, compiling a 1.90 ERA over four starts while Arrieta's ERA during the day is 3.26 over five starts on the season.

2. Chicago's Propensity For Errors - The Cubs committed three errors Wednesday and has nine over their last six games. They have a total of 39 errors on the year which is the fourth-highest mark in baseball.

3. X-Factor - Alex Rios is set to return to the Royals lineup, and he's 3-for-5 lifetime versus Arrieta.

Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals +1.5(8*)