The Milwaukee Brewers have won only one of their last six games and found themselves on the losing side in the opener of a four-game series against NL Central rival the Chicago Cubs last night. The Cubs maye have won three of their last four but I like the price we get on the hosts to tie the series tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Cubs hand the ball to Jason Hammel (5-5, 3.20 ERA) who lasted only 3 2/3 innings his last start when he was lit up for six runs on eight hits in an 11-5 home-loss to the Phillies. He's a win-less 0-3 with a 4.10 ERA and has received just 11 runs of support over his last eight starts. The Brew Crew will counter with Taylor Jungmann (5-2, 2.14) who's been terrific here in his debut season in the big leagues. He's allowed two or fewer earned runs in all but one of nine starts and he has posted a 1.59 ERA in three outings home at Milwaukee.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The current Brewers lineup has a combined batting average of .288 against Hammel. Gerrardo Parra is 9-for-25 against Hammel and has batted .435 so far this month.

3. X-Factor - The Brewers have won six of their last eight with umpire Hunter Wendelstedt behind home plate.

Selection: This is a play on the Milwaukee Brewers (10*)