The Tampa Bay Rays finished the first half of the season with a three-game sweep against the Houston Astros but found themselves on the losing side in the opener of the second half of the season last night. The Blue Jays prevailed 6-2 in Game 1 at Rogers Centre, but I like the Rays to bounce back with a big performance today.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Blue Jays hand the ball to R.A. Dickey (3-10, 4.87 ERA) who's off four consecutive losses with a 4.56 ERA. This match-up figures to be a tough one for the knuckleballer as well as the Rays already have already roughed him up in three meetings, with Dickey taking the loss in each game while conceding 13 runs (12 earned) on 20 hits with nine walks over 17 2/3 innings of work. The Rays counter with Erasmo Ramirez (8-3, 3.63 ERA) who's been excellent of late. He's 6-1 with a 1.23 ERA in his last eight starts overall and 4-0 with a 1.71 ERA in his last five starts away from home.

2. Situational - The Blue Jays have lost 10 of their last 15 overall, and three of their last five home games.

3. X-Factor - Tampa Bay has won seven of Ramirez's last eight starts.

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Bay Rays +1.5 (8*)