8* play on LA Dodgers.

San Francisco and LA have split the first two games of this series at Chavez Ravine, and the rubber match will be nationally televised on Sunday Night Baseball. The Dodgers appear to have a favorable match-up here, and my money is on LA.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Kenta Maeda will go for the Dodgers, and the right-hander from Japan tossed a gem in his last outing. He blanked Arizona through six innings, allowing just five hits and striking out four. He hasn't allowed a run yet this season, and he appears to be a good find for the Dodgers. Jeff Samardzija will go for the Giants, and he's 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA against the Dodgers going back the last three seasons.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Dodgers have had plenty of success against Samardzija, batting .417 over 48 at bats. Chase Utley is 6-for-15 with five RBIs lifetime against him.

3. X-Factor - The Dodgers are 70-33 in their last 103 home games.

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