The Pittsburgh Pirates opened an eight-game homestand by taking two of three from the Brew Crew. They'll host the Philadelphia Phillies for the opener of a three-game series Friday night. The Phillies are 3-11 in the last 14 meetings and I like the Pirates to claim the opener.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Pirates hand the ball to Gerrit Cole (5-5, 3.11). The Pirates have lost each of his last four starts and Cole did not look particularly sharp in a 6-0 loss at Washington on July 16 in his first game back after missing more than a month with a strained triceps. Cole should be able to turn in a better performance tonight, and he's 3-1 with a 2.31 ERA in his career against the Phillies who counter with rookie Zach Eflin (2-3, 4.14 ERA) who has posted a 5.66 ERA in four road starts.

2. Road Woes - The Phillies are 21-25 on the road this season and they've lost nine of their last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning record. The Pirates are 11-4 in Cole's last 15 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.

3. X-Factor - Motivation should be on Pittsburgh's side as it has won 12 of 17 to contend again in the NL Central.

Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Pirates (6*)