The Chicago Cubs have dropped nine of their past 10 overall and back-to-back games to the Pittsburgh Pirates to watch them climb within six and a half games back in NL Central standings. A victory today would be a huge morale boost for the Cubs, and I think they'll gear up here in the last game before the All Star break.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Pirates hand the ball to Jonathon Niese (7-6, 4.87). He's struggled in his last two starts at PNC Park, surrendering a total of 13 runs on 18 hits in 11 1/3 innings. He lost his last meeting with Chicago, giving up four runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings at Wrigley on June 18. The Cubs counter with John Lackey (7-5, 3.50 ERA) who has struggled lately, but he posted a 2.25 ERA in three starts against the Pirates last season.

2. Cubs vs. Left-Handers - The Cubs are 13-5 in their last 18 road games vs. a left-handed starter, and their .358 on base percentage against southpaws this season is second only to the Red Sox's.

3. X-Factor - Kris Bryant is 3-for-7 with three walks so far in this series. He's 5-for-10 with a homer in previous meetings with Niese.

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