8* SURE SHOT on Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates saw the final game of their series at Coors Field postponed due to weather, but they head into Game 1 of this home series versus Cincinnati as winners of four straight and six of their last seven. My money is on the Pirates as a home favorite Friday.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Juan Nicasio was set to start in Colorado yesterday, but he will take the mound tonight instead. Nicasio is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in two starts in Pittsburgh so far, but hasn't been as successful on the road. Dan Straily will go for Cincinnati, and he got rocked for three runs on four hits and three walks in 4.2 innings in his last start.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Reds haven't seen a lot of Nicasio, but Joey Votto has faced him the most, going 1-for-9 with a pair of strikeouts.

3. X-Factor - The Reds bullpen ranks dead last in the major leagues, as Cincinnati's relievers own a combined 6.22 ERA.

Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Pirates (8*)