The Chicago Cubs will host the Seattle Mariners on Sunday Night Baseball. The teams have split the first two meetings of the series, but I think the Cubs will prove to be stronger side in the rubber match.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Cubs hand the ball to left-hander Brian Matusz (0-0, 12.00) who will make his first appearance for the club and first start in the majors since 2012. Matusz has posted a 1.93 ERA in two starts at Triple-A Iowa most recently and should be keen to make the most of this spot start. The Mariners counter with Felix Hernandez (5-4, 3.45 ERA) who has struggled since coming off the 15-day disabled list. The Seattle ace has conceded a combined nine runs on 19 hits in 12 2/3 innings in his last two outings.

2. Road Woes - The Cubs are 7-2 in their last nine interleague home games and the Mariners are 1-6 in their last seven road games vs. a left-handed starter.

3. X-Factor - The Cubs managed just three hits in Saturday's 4-1 defeat, but they're 4-0 in their last four after scoring two runs or fewer in their previous game.

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