The New York Mets have won just two of their seven games since the All Star break but are still only two games back off theNats for the NL East lead. They were shut out in a 3-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener of a three-game set last night, but I like their chances of bouncing back with a win tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Dodgers hand the ball to Ian Thomas (0-1, 5.23 ERA) who'll make his third appearance for the Dodgers since coming over from Atlanta at the end of May. The 28 year old southpaw is making his second season in the majors and will make his first start ever tonight. The Mets will counter with Jonathon Niese (5-8, 3.36 ERA) who's 2-0 with a 1.21 ERA in his last three starts with two shut outs. He's 2-1 with a 3.79 ERA in six career meetings with the Dodgers.

2. Situational - The Mets have bounced back with a win following five of their last seven losses and they're 7-3 in their last 10 at home against a left-handed starter.

3. X-Factor - Curtis Granderson is batting .333 last seven days and he's riding an eight-game hitting streak.

Selection: This is a play on the New York Mets +1.5 (8*)