The surging Washington Nationals have lost just one of their last nine games and defeated the Chicago Cubs 2-1 in the opener of a three-game set at Wrigley Field Sunday. I like the hosts to bounce back with a big performance tonight though.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Nats will hand the ball to Jordan Zimmerman (4-2, 3.52 ERA) who is coming in undefeated over his last five starts. He's struggled at Wrigley throughout his career though, compiling a 6.27 ERA in three outings and he's 1-4 with a 4.81 ERA in seven career starts against the Cubs overall. The Cubs will counter with Kyle Hendricks (1-1, 4.14 ERA) who's shut out his opponent in two of his last three starts. He's 4-2 with a 2.83 ERA in 10 career starts at Wrigley over his brief career and will face the Nats for the first time ever.

2. Home Cookin' - Chicago has won six of its last eight at home and seven of Hendricks' last eight home-starts.

3. X-Factor - The Cubs rookie Kris Bryant went 2-for-3 with a homer Monday and is 12-for-25 in his last eight home at Wrigley.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Cubs +1.5 (8*)