The set-up: The Diamondbacks come in focused on the task at hand after three straight losses. This is a bigger mismatch on the mound than what this line would suggest in my opinion. I like Arizona and Robbie Ray to bounce back here, facing Nick Kingham and the visiting Pirates. Pittsburgh won six of its last eight, but I think it gets cooled off in this difficult road venue.

The pitchers: Kingham (1-0, 5.94 ERA) gave up two runs over four innings vs. Texas last week.

Ray (2-1, 3.30) went six scoreless vs. the Rays and struck out a season high 11 in his last start. Opponents are hitting only .210 vs. him and he has 55 K's in 43 2/3's innings of work.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Pittsburgh is still only 4-6 vs. southpaws this year, while Arizona is still 14-7 (+9.6 units) this year vs. teams with winning records. At this price, I think Ray and the hungry home side are well worth it. Play on Arizona.

9* play