The Chicago Cubs boast the best record in the major leagues at 36-15 and they've won seven of their past eight games. The lone defeat was a 5-0 setback against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, but I think the Cubs look good to clinch the four-game series with a win Thursday night.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Cubs hand the ball to Kyle Hendricks (3-4, 2.93 ERA) who tossed a complete game for the second time in his career his last start. Hendricks held the Phillies to one run on five hits in a 4-1 win home at Wrigley where he's 2-1 with a 1.93 ERA this season. The Dodgers counter with Julio Urias (0-0, 10.13 ERA). The 19 year old left-hander will make his second start in the major leagues tonight. He conceded three runs on five hits and four walks in 2 2/3 innings against the Mets in his debut on May 27.

2. Home Cookin' - The Cubs are 9-2 in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record and 18-8 in Hendricks' last 26 home starts.

3. X-Factor - The Cubs are second only to Boston with an average of 5.75 runs of support for their pitching staff in 2016.

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