The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves 7-5 in the opener of a four-game set at Turner Field on Thursday. They've struggled to string wins together though, and I think the Braves can record an upset and tie the series tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Phillies hand the ball to Vince Velasquez (8-2, 3.34 ERA). He was reached for four runs on seven hits at Pittsburgh his last start and he gave up four runs on six hits in six innings against the Braves back in May. Alanta counters with Tyrell Jenkins (0-2, 6.17), a 24 year old rookie who held the Phillies to one run on four hits in 4 1/3 innings earlier this month.

2. Situational - The Phillies have lost each of their last seven games following a win and they've lost four of their last six overall.

3. X-Factor - The Phillies and the Braves are tied near the bottom of the standings for batting average with a .240 mark.

Selection: This is a play on the Atlanta Braves (8*)