The Boston Red Sox and the Seattle Mariners have picked up one 2-1 win apiece in the first two of this four-game set at Safeco. The Mariners are coming into tonight's contest as a huge favorite as they send their ace to the hill, but it would be dangerous to underestimate Boston in this spot. The visitors are on a bit of a roll having won four of their last six, and I would not be surprised to see them record an upset in this match-up.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Ms will hand the ball to Felix Hernandez (6-0, 1.85 ERA) who's off to a tremendous start to the year. He's won five consecutive starts and gave up two runs on five hits with seven innings against Oakland his last time out. Two of those five hits were homers though, and Boston ranks among the top 10 teams in the majors with 36 home-runs on the year. The Red Sox will counter with Rick Porcello (3-2, 4.50) who is 2-0 with a 1.32 ERA at Safeco Field over his career. He has conceded just four runs on 19 hits over 19 innings over his last three starts.

2. David Ortiz - The Red Sox slugger was 2-for-4 last night and is 13-for-36 with a home and seven walks against Hernandez lifetime.

3. X-Factor - Porcello has held Nelson Cruz to just four hits over 22 at bats.

Selection: This is a play on the Boston Red Sox +1.5. (8*)