The New York Mets have struggled with consistency as they've alternated wins and losses ever since the All Star break. With a 5-4 loss against the Cardinals on Wednesday, I think that trend will continue and the Mets to come out ahead in this opener of a four-game series with the Rockies.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Mets hand the ball to Jacob deGrom (6-5 , 2.73 ERA) who will be looking to bounce back from his worst start of the season. deGrom was reached for five runs on 10 hits in 3/2 innings at Miami last Saturday but had tossed nine shutout innings of one-hit ball at Philadelphia his previous turn. The 28 year old is 4-2 with a 2.49 ERA in nine home starts this season. The Rockies counter with left-hander Tyler Anderson (3-3, 3.56 ERA). The 26 year old rookie has lost each of his two road starts while conceding five runs in 11 2/3 frames.

2. Home Cookin' - The Rockies swept a three-game series with the Mets back in May, but the Mets have won seven straight meetings at Citi Field.

3. X-Factor - The Colorado Rockies have upped the pace and won six of their last seven to move into playoff contention, but they'll be working on short rest in this afternoon game after traveling overnight from Baltimore.

Selection: This is a play on the New York Mets (8*)