The Cubs have lost four straight, and they are in danger of being swept by the Cardinals in the series finale at Busch Stadium tonight. St. Louis still owns the best home record in the majors, and I just don't think bookmakers are giving the Cards enough respect in this series versus the Cubs.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Jason Hammel will be on the mound for Chicago, and he's having a fantastic season so far. Hammel (5-2, 2.65 ERA) pitched seven shutout innings in a home win over the Dodgers in his last outing. He lost his previous two starts, allowing seven runs on 10 hits over nine innings. The Cardinals counter with Carlos Martinez, who is 8-3 with a 2.89 ERA in 14 starts this season.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Cardinals have hit Hammel hard in past meetings, batting a combined .348. Johnny Peralta is hitting .400 with a pair of home runs and eight RBIs lifetime versus the right-hander.

3. X-Factor- The Cardinals are 43-10 in their last 53 home games.

Selection: This is a play on the St. Louis Cardinals (10*)