1* free MLB play on the Washington Nationals...

The Washington Nationals are clinging to a half game lead in the NL East, and they've dropped four of their last five home games. They appear to have a favorable match-up here this afternoon against the Cubs, and the price is right to back the Nats at home.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Jordan Zimmerman will be on the mound for the home team, and he's been at his best at Nationals Park. Zimmerman (5-2, 2.88 ERA) gave up just six hits in eight scoreless innings in a 2-0 win over Toronto in his last start. He's 3-1 with a 2.01 ERA in six starts at home this year, and he was 24-8 with a 288 ERA at home over the last three seasons. The Cubs will counter with Kyle Hendricks, who has struggled away from Wrigley.

2. Bryce Harper - Harper was 2-for-4 with a home run yesterday, and he's leading the major leagues with 19 home runs this season.

3. X-Factor - The Nationals are 7-3 in their last 10 home games vs. a right-handed starter, and the Cubs have lost five of Hendricks' last six road starts.

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Nationals (Free)