8* play on New York Mets.

The Mets got off to a slow start in 2016, but they come into Game 1 of this home series versus the Reds as winners of six of seven. The Reds on the other hand started off well, but have since dropped nine of their last 13. My money is on the Mets in tonight's series opener.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Mets will send Noah Syndergaard to the mound, and he's picked up right where he left off last year. Syndergaard (2-0, 0.90 ERA) gave up just one run on five hits, striking out eight in seven innings in a win over Philly in his last start. He was 7-2 with a 2.46 ERA in a dozen home starts last year.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The big bats in the Cincinnati lineup have really struggled in past meetings with Syndergaard. Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips are a combined 1-for-13 with three strikeouts versus the right-hander.

3. X-Factor - Cincinnati's bullpen has really been a sore spot this season, ranking dead last in the majors with an ERA of 6.26.

Selection: This is a play on the New York Mets (8*)