The Cincinnati Reds are in free fall having lost seven straight and 10 of their past 11. The Los Angeles Dodgers have not had much fortune lately either with two wins in their past six contests, but with their ace on the mound Monday night we have every reason to expect a Dodgers win by a large margin.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Dodgers hand the ball to Clayton Kershaw (6-1, 1.67) who has won each of his last four starts with just three runs allowed in 33 innings of work. He has recorded 10+ strikeouts in six straight starts. The Reds counter with Brandon Finnegan (1-2, 4.44 ERA). The Reds have lost each of his last six starts and he has surrendered 14 hits and 17 walks in 22 innings in four starts on the road this year.

2. Cincinnati's Anemic Bats - The Reds are batting .197 while striking out 33 times with just nine runs scored in their last four games. The Reds are 2-8 in their last 10 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

3. X-Factor - The Reds are in for a rough travel they played home in Cincinnati yesterday. The Dodgers meanwhile just have to do the short trip from San Diego.

Selection: This is a play on the Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (8*)