8* play on Nationals.

The Nats are coming off a two game sweep of the Braves in Atlanta, and they open a home series against the Miami Marlins Thursday. Everything appears to firing on all cylinders for Washington, while the Fish just can't seem to get out of their own way. My money is on the Nats.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Tanner Roark has had a difficult time cracking the rotation the last few years, but that's been more a product of Washington's loaded staff rather than any issue with his performance. He won 15 games as a starter two years ago, and was rewarded by being bannished to the bullpen. He's coming off a stellar Spring, and he 12-7 with a 2.84 ERA at home since 2013.

2. Batter vs Pitcher - The Marlins rely heavily on the production of Giancarlo Stanton, but the slugger is just 2-for12 lifetime versus Roark. He's also been far more productive in Miami than he has been on the road. He hit just .154 at Nationals Park last year.

3. X-Factor - Miami has lost seven of it's last nine road games, while the Nationals have won four straight against southpaws.

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Nationals (8*)