8* play on LA Dodgers.

The Dodgers lost three of four in a series in San Francisco last week, and they welcome the Giants to town for a weekend series at Chavez Ravine. Game 1 will feature a highly anticipated match-up with Clayton Kershaw starting opposite Madison Bumgarner. Kershaw got the victory when these two aces met last week, and my money is on the Dodgers here at home with their ace on the mound.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Kershaw owns the Giants, going 8-3 with a 1.73 ERA in 14 starts against San Francisco since 2013. He's 29-11 with a 1.64 ERA in 48 starts at home during that span, and he's making his home debut tonight.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Giants lineup has had almost no success against Kershaw, but two guys named Brandon have really had a rough time. Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford are a combined 4-for-61 with 31 strikeouts against him. Hunter Pence has whiffed 16 times while going 5-for-58 (.086) lifetime versus Kershaw.

3. X-Factor - The Dodgers are one of the best home teams in the majors, and they are 69-32 in their last 101 home games.

Selection: This is a play on the LA Dodgers (8*)