The Philadelphia Phillies were unable to stop their NL East rivals the Washington Nationals from recording a sixth consecutive win as they claimed the opener of a three-game set at Nationals Park. Philadelphia has now lost three of its last four and I don't see it winning this afternoon either as both teams sends its ace to the mound.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Phillies will hand the ball to Cole Hamels (4-3, 3.24 ERA) who's been solid of late allowing four runs on 15 hits in 21 1/3 innings in his last three starts. He was torched for six runs on 10 hits over six innings at Miami prior too that though and each time he's run into trouble this season it's been away from home where he's 2-2 with a 4.44 ERA on the year. He was charged with five runs on five hits with two homers over six innings his last visit to Washington on April 16. The Nats will counter with Stephen Strasburg (3-4, 5.98 ERA) who's been hit hard of late. He showed some signs of improvement ending a two-game slide his last time out when he earned the decision in a 10-5 win at San Diego allowing three runs on five hits over five innings. Facing the Phillies usually brings out the best from the 26 year old as he's 5-1 with a shutout and a 2.00 ERA in 11 career starts against them.

2. Home Cookin - The Nats have won five of Strasburg's last seven home-starts against Philly while the visitors have lost five of Hamel's last six starts at Washington.

3. X-Factor - Bryce Harper is batting .397 with 11 homers so far in May and he's a respectable 8-for-28 with five walks against Hamels over previous meetings.

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Nationals (8*)