The books might expect a one-sided contest here as the New York Yankees, with just one win in their last six games, are visiting the surging Washington Nationals for the opener of a two-game set, but I disagree. I think the Yankees are coming in underrated here after getting shut out in Kansas City Sunday and I'm backing the visitors to record an upset in the nation's capital tonight.


Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Yankees will hand the ball to Nathan Eovaldi (3-1, 4.14 ERA) who's been better on the road than at home this year going 2-1 with a 3.12 ERA over four road-starts. He's 2-4 with a 4.76 ERA in seven career outings against the Nats, but we can note that Washington has lost four of its last five interleague games versus a right-handed starter. The Nats will counter with Gio Gonzalez (3-2, 4.25) who was torched for five runs on nine hits in just five innings at Arizona his last start. While he's been solid home in Washington on the year, facing the Yankees have not been a pleasant experience for the 29 year old southpaw in the past going 1-5 with a 6.75 ERA in six starts.

2. The Yankees Bullpen - Its 2.62 ERA on the year is the fifth best mark in the major leagues.

3. X-Factor - New York owns a major league-best 13 wins away from home.

Selection: This is a play on the New York Yankees +1.5 (6*)