The Detroit Tigers bats were lively over the weekend when they scored 21 runs over three-games against the Blue Jays. They'll be looking to carry that momentum to Seattle when they face the Mariners for the opener of a three-game set at Safeco Field, and I like the Tigers chances of recording an upset.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Mariners will hand the ball to Hisashi Iwakuma (0-1, 6.61 ERA) who'll make his first start since April 20 when he landed on the disabled list with a strained back muscle. He has three starts on the season has been sharp in none, surrendering four runs or more in each while going past the sixth inning not even once. The Tigers will counter with Alfredo Simon (7-5, 3.94 ERA) who's been lit up for a total of 18 runs on 29 hits in 14 2/3 innings of work in his last three starts. He had compiled a 2.58 ERA through his first 12 starts though, and this should be a good spot to get back on track as he has a 0.93 ERA over seven career relief appearances against the Mariners.

2. Unreliable Favorites - The Mariners have won just three of their last 18 games coming in as a favorite and they're 11-29 against the run-line home at Safeco this season.

3. X-Factor - Ian Kinsler is 9-for-23 with three homers against Iwakuma lifetime and has been swinging a hot bat of late with a .361 batting average over his last eight games.

Selection: This is a play on the Detroit Tigers +1.5 (8*)