The Coach's MLB Early Bird S-P-E-C-I-A-L
(MLB) NY Mets vs. Washington,
Money Line: -117.00 Washington (Home)
Result: Win
The NL East leading Washington Nationals will be looking to fight off the New York Mets, sitting two games back in the same division, in the rubber-match of a three-game set this afternoon. I like the price we get on the home team in this match-up as the visitors have struggled away from home all season long.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Mets hand the ball to Noah Syndergaard (4-5, 3.05 ERA) who's had an impressive debut season in the big leagues. He's been far better home in New York than on the road though where he's 0-4 with a 4.73 ERA in six starts. The Nats will counter with Jordan Zimmermann (8-5, 3.27 ERA) who is 3-0 with a 1.99 ERA in his last five starts. He's been dominant home at Nationals Park all season compiling a 2.40 ERA over 11 home-starts and he's 8-5 with a 2.91 ERA against the Mets lifetime.

2. Road Woes - The Mets are 17-31 away from home this season and have lost 21 of their last 26 as a road underdog.

3. X-Factor - Curtis Granderson is 9-for-27 during a six-game hitting streak but he's just 3-for-16 with five strikeouts against Zimmerman lifetime.

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Nationals (10*)