The Cincinnati Reds have found their groove and have won three of their last four following a long losing streak. They have the opportunity to complete the sweep of a three-game set against the Washington Nationals today, and I like the price we get on the home team in this contest.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Tanner Roark (1-2, 2.49 ERA) was demoted to the bullpen when the team signed Max Scherzer in the offseason will take the ball for the Nats. He'll make his mere second start of the season today and lasted just five innings in his season-debut at Wrigley six days ago. That's gotta be worrisome for Washington who's bullpen surrendered a combined four runs on four hits with two walks in 2 2/3 innings in yesterday's 8-5 loss. The Reds will counter with Michael Lorenzen (1-1, 3.12 ERA) who's coming off seven strong outings when he held the Rockies to one run and two hits. The 23 year old rookie will make his fifth start in the majors, and he's been excellent over his last three, posting a 1.50 ERA in 18 innings.

2. Bryce Harper's Absence - The Nats slugger has owned pitchers left right and center of late, batting .448 with 13 home runs, 28 RBI and 23 runs in his last 20 games. He missed yesterday's contest due to a sore back sustained from being hit by a pitch Friday though and is questionable to play a part today as well. "I tried to get loose but when I went on the field, it didn't feel very good," Harper said yesterday.

3. X-Factor - The Reds are 4-1 in their last five as a home underdog of +110 to +150.

Selection: This is a play on the Cincinnati Reds +1.5 (8*)