The Milwaukee Brewers have lost five straight, and they will look to avoid a sweep here at home in the series finale versus St. Louis tonight. They lost Game 1 in extra-innings, and lost last night by a score of 5-4. I like the home time here as an underdog on the runline.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Cardinals will hand the ball to John Lackey, who has struggled on the road this season. Lackey (11-9, 2.89 ERA) gave up a pair of runs on seven hits and three walks in a 4-2 loss at Cincinnati in his last start. He's 3-5 with a 3.99 ERA in 14 starts away from St. Louis, and he lost his only trip to Miller Park. The Brewers counter with Jimmy Nelson, who is 4-0 with a 2.03 ERA in his last seven home starts.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Brewers have owned Lackey, hitting .348 over a combined 115 at bats against him. Jean Segura hit a double in last night's game, and he's 8-for-13 lifetime versus Lackey.

3. X-Factor - Ryan Braun sat out last night, but expected to play in tonight's contest. He's hitting .350 with 11 RBIs in his last 11 home games.

Selection: This is a play on the Milwaukee Brewers +1.5 (7*)