The set-up: I don't think that the home field advantage can be overlooked as a very real deciding factor in this particular matchup. The Nationals hand the ball to the volatile Anibal Sanchez, while the home side counters with ace Jose Berrios.

The pitchers: Sanchez (8-7, 4.11 ERA) has been hit or miss this year. In his last start he was shelled for seven runs off eight hits over five innings in an 8-4 loss to the Mets.

Berrios (11-8, 3.78) has stumbled in the send half, most recently allowing six runs to the Red Sox on Wednesday. Berrios though will look to finally bounce back with a strong effort at home, where he still sports a respectable 3.12 ERA.

The pick: The Twins have a 5.5 game lead over the Tribe with 19 games remaining, but clearly they can't lose focus at this point. Especially against this dangerous opponent. The Nats avoided a four game sweep by the Braves with a 9-4 win on Sunday, but I believe they stumble in this difficult road venue.

8* play on the Twins.