Both the Milwaukee Brewers and the Pittsburgh Pirates were swept over their first three games of the season. The Pirates are coming straight from Cincinnati while the Brewers are staying home in Milwaukee for another three game set, and I like the home team in the opener tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Brewers will hand the ball to Mike Fiers who may not have made a ton of starts last season but delivered big time when he was called upon. The 29 year old compiled a 2.13 ERA over 14 outings, 10 starts, as he struck out 76 batters while walking only 17 over 71 2/3 innings of work. He made one start against Pittsburgh where he tossed seven innings, giving up only two runs on two hits while striking out seven and was rewarded with the win in that contest. The Pirates will counter with Jeff Locke who's looked out of sorts in spring training. The 27 year old finished last season with a 5.47 ERA over five outings in September and posted a 6.27 ERA over 18 2/3 innings in the games leading up to the season. He won his only start at Miller Park last season, but struggled on the road overall going 3-4 behind a 4.40 ERA over 10 starts.

2. Road Woes - Pittsburgh has lost all of its last five away from home and is only 2-6 in Locke's last eight starts on the road. The Brewers meanwhile are 5-1 in Fiers' last six home starts.

3. X-Factor - Ryan Braun is expected to be back in the line-up tonight after sitting out against the Rockies yesterday. He's 1-for-3 on the season and 5-for-17 with a home-run against Locke over his career.

Selection: This is a play on the Milwaukee Brewers(*10)