The Pittsburgh Pirates suffered a three-game sweep at the hands of the Cardinals over the weekend, and they enter Tuesday's match-up against the New York Mets on a five-game skid. They took two of three from the Mets at Pittsburgh last week, but I think the Mets will prevail at Citi Field tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Pirates hand the ball to Jameson Taillon (0-0, 4.50 ERA) who made his debut in the big leagues last week. He allowed three runs on six hits and a pair of walks over six innings without factoring in the decision of a 6-5 loss to the Mets who counter with Jacob deGrom (3-2, 2.80 ERA). He has been stellar lately with five earned runs allowed and 26 strikeouts in 20 innings in his last three starts. DeGrom is still looking for his first career win against the Pirates despite posting a 2.33 ERA in three meetings, but tonight could very well be the night.

2. Situational - The Mets have returned home following an eight-game road swing and got yesterday off. They're 4-1 in their last five home games following a road trip of seven or more days and 20-7 in their last 27 games following an off day.

3. X-Factor - The Pirates bullpen has a 4.06 ERA this season but might be called into action early if their rookie starter were to struggle.


Selection: This is a play on the New York Mets (8*)