The Oakland Athletics opened a seven-game homestand by taking three of four from the Giants, but they lost the opener of a three-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-3 on Friday. I think the Pirates can upset the A's on Saturday and set themselves up to sweep the set tomorrow.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Pirates hand the ball to Chad Kuhl (1-0, 5.40 ERA) who will make his second start in the big leagues. He picked up the win in his debut (tossing opposite Clayton Kershaw) despite surrendering three runs on four hits and four walks in five innings against the Dodgers. The 23 year old went 6-2 with a 2.58 ERA in 14 starts with Triple-A Indianapolis prior to being called up by the Pirates, and with his debut done and dusted I think he'll come out with a more composed performance tonight. The A's counter with Rich Hill (8-3, 2.25) who'll make his first start since May 29 when he sustained a groin injury that sent him to the disabled list. An untimely break for Hill who was on a roll, and he might not come out quite as sharp here after the break.

2. Road Warriors - The Pirates are 3-10 in their last 13 road games, but they're off back-to-back wins away from home and they're 10-1 in their last 11 interleague road games vs. a team with a losing record.

3. X-Factor - Hill is likely to be on a pitch count so the A's bullpen that ranks 19th for ERA in the majors might be called into action early.

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