The San Francisco Giants have had a rough schedule since the All Star break and managed just one victory during an eight-game road trip. I think they're looking good to record a well needed win as they return home to AT&T Park for the opener of a three-game set with the Cincinnati Reds Monday night.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Giants hand the ball to Jake Peavy (5-8, 5.15 ERA). The veteran was knocked around for a season-high seven earned runs at Cincinnati on May 4, but he's 4-0 with a 1.90 ERA in seven meetings with the Reds at home. Peavy has pitched much better home in San Francisco than on the road all season with a 4-2 record and a 3.98 ERA in 10 starts. The Reds counter with Anthony DeSclafani (5-0, 2.50 ERA). The 26 year old right-hander conceded six runs over three innings in his lone career meeting with the Giants last year.

2. Road Woes - Cincinnati is 14-32 on the road this season, the worst mark in the major leagues. The Giants have won each of their last four home games against teams with a road winning % of less than .400.

3. X-Factor - The Giants batted just .125 (9-for-72) with runners in scoring position during their miserable road trip. They're obviously so much better than that and the law of averages suggests that an offensive explosion for the Giants is imminent.

Selection: This is a play on the San Francisco Giants (10*)