The Washington Nationals entered this three-game set against Cincinnati riding a four-game winning streak that came an abrupt ending in last night's 7-2 defeat. Washington is a massive favorite to rebound with a win Saturday afternoon, and I think they'll prove to be well worth the price.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Nats hand the ball to their ace Stephen Strasburg (9-0, 2.69 ERA). Washington has won each of his 11 team starts this season and his last 15 starts with last season included. Strasburg has allowed only four runs on 16 hits in 18 2/3 innings in his last three outings. The Reds counter with Dan Straily (3-2, 3.43) who was lucky to pick up the win his last start despite conceding five runs on eight hits and three walks in six innings at Coors Field.

2. Road Warriors - Washington has won four of its last five on the road and each of Strasburg's last eight. The Reds are 1-6 in their last seven at Great American Ball Park.

3. X-Factor - Straily is 0-for-15 at the plate this season with 11 strikeouts and two walks. He's 0-for 63-in his career and should pose an easy out for the Nats.

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Nationals (8*)