The Chicago Cubs defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in the NL Wild Card game, extending their winning streak to nine games. They play Game 1 of the NLDS in St. Louis, against a Cardinals team that faded a little in the second half. I'll take the hot team here in the series opener.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Cubs hand the ball to Jon Lester, who finished the season strong going 7-4 with a 3.04 ERA in the second half. Lester (11-12, 3.34 ERA) allowed one run on three hits, striking out nine over eight innings in a win at Cincinnati in his final start of the regular season. The Cardinals counter with John Lackey, and he allowed three runs on five hits over four innings in a loss at Atlanta in his last start.

2. Road Warriors - The Cubs are 10-1 in their last 11 road games, and they've won six of their last nine versus St. Louis.

3. X-Factor - The Cardinals were out-scored 12-0, losing three straight at the end of the season in their final series at Atlanta.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Cubs (10*)