The Pittsburgh Pirates opened a nine game road trip with a 5-2 loss at Safeco last night. I think they're looking good to salvage a split of this two-game series with the Seattle Mariners tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Mariners hand the ball to Wade Miley (6-3, 5.28). He'll be pitching for the first time since June 12 due to a shoulder impingement in his throwing arm. Miley surrendered three runs on four hits and three walks in five innings of a 6-4 loss to Texas his last start and has struggled with his command all year. The Pirates counter with 24 year old Jameson Taillon (1-1, 4.50 ERA). The rookie will make his fifth start in the majors, and the Pirates have split his previous starts. He tossed eight scoreless innings of two-hit ball against the Mets on June 14 so there's no doubt he has a lot of talent.

2. Home Woes - The Mariners have covered the run-line in only 13 of their 37 home games this season. They took two of three from the Cardinals over the weekend, both victories by just one run. .

3. X-Factor - Starling Marte is on a five-game hitting streak and 5-for-13 off Miley in previous meetings.

Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 (8*)