8* play on Cincinnati Reds.

The Reds are in a three way tie for second place in the NL Central, and they host the Colorado Rockies in the rubber match of a three game set at Great American Ballpark this afternoon. The Reds tied the series with a 4-3 win in Game 2, and they appear to have all the momentum heading into today's game.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Cincinnati will hand the ball to Raisel Iglesias, who has pitched very well in Cincinnati so far. He allowed three runs on 14 hits, striking out a dozen in 11.2 innings in two home starts. The Rockies will counter with 26 year old right-hander Chad Bettis, who makes his first career start against the Reds.

2. Brandon Phillips - The Reds 2ndbaseman was 4-for-4 last night, just a home run away from completing the cycle. He's swinging a hot bat in 2016, especially at home where he's batting .469 so far.

3. X-Factor - The Rockies bullpen has really been a sore spot, with an ERA of 6.00. Only the Phillies rank worse.

Selection: This is a play on the Cincinnati Reds (8*)