The Cincinnati Reds are coming off a 7-4 win over San Francisco in the final game of a three game set at home, and they will host Milwaukee in Game 1 of a new series tonight. Cincinnati hit four home runs in last night's game, and three of the Reds last four games have seen the total reach double-digits. I expect to see another slugfest in Cincinnati tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Reds send Alfredo Simon to the mound, still in search of his first "W" of the season. Simon (0-3, 13.50 ERA) gave up three runs on six hits and four walks over just four innings in a loss to the Pirates in his last start. The Brewers will counter with 28 year old right-hander Chase Anderson, who is 1-3 with a 5.55 ERA so far. Anderson was lit up for six runs on nine hits over 4.1 innings in a loss to Miami in his most recent appearance.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Milwaukee's catcher Jonathan Lucroy was 4-for-11 with a home run and four RBIs in three games against the Angels, and he's had no troubles hitting Simon. Lucroy is 6-for-10 with a pair of home runs lifetime versus the veteran.

3. X-Factor - The Reds bullpen owns a major league worst 6.44 ERA so far this season.

Selection: This is a 9* play on the Brewers@Reds to go OVER the total (1st 5 innings)