The Chicago Cubs powered past the Pirates in their series finale in Pittsburgh Wednesday, completing a sweep in a three games series versus the Pirates. They host the Washington Nationals in a new series at Wrigley Thursday, and my money is on the Cubs to stay hot.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Kyle Hendricks will get the nod for the home team, and he's pitched well so far in 2016. Hendricks (1-2, 3.52 ERA) allowed one run on two hits, fanning four over five frames in a win over Milwaukee in his last start. He's had Washington's number, going 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in two previous meetings.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Washington slugger Bryce Harper hit his 10th home run of the season in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, but he hasn't had much success in previous meetings with Hendricks. He's 1-for-6 lifetime versus the right-hander.

3. X-Factor - The Cubs are 16-7 in Hendricks' last 23 home starts.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Cubs (8*)