The Arizona Diamondbacks are off a pair of wins at Texas as they're coming to Citi Field to open a three-game set against the New York Mets Friday night. The hosts are back home after a road trip which saw them take four of six, but they've lost three straight at home and I think the visitors will keep this a close game at the very least.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Mets will hand the ball to Noah Syndergaard (3-4, 3.38 ERA) who's been rather inconsistent of late. While he's held opponents to one run in three of his last six starts, he's conceded a total of 15 runs over the other three. The D'backs will counter with Chase Anderson (4-2, 3.71 ERA) who's been banged up of late. The D'backs have still won five of his last six starts with the 27 year old going 3-1 and he conceded only one run in 5 2/3 innings without factoring in the decision of a 2-1 home-win against the Mets on June 6.

2. Run Line Punisher - The D'backs have covered the run line in 25 of their 41 road-games on the year. The Mets meanwhile are 18-24 against the run line home at Citi Field.

3. X-Factor - The D'backs Welington Castillo is 6-for-16 during a four-game hitting streak.

Selection: This is a play on the Arizona Diamondbacks +1.5 (8*)