The Kansas City Royals are coming off four consecutive wins and shut out division-rivals the Detroit Tigers in a 4-0 victory in the opener of a three-game set at Kauffman Stadium last night. I like the Tigers to keep tonight's contest a closer one though as two struggling pitchers will take the hill.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Royals hand the ball to Yordano Ventura (6-7, 5.29) who was lit up for six runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings at Comerica Park on August 6 his last start. He's compiled a 6.75 ERA in five starts since his return from the disabled list and has conceded 10 runs on 16 hits and six walks in 11 innings of work against the Tigers on the season. Detroit will counter with Anibal Sanchez (10-9, 4.82 ERA) who was matched-up against Ventura on August 6 when he conceded four runs on five hits and four walks. He's 6-3 behind a 2.33 ERA in 10 career starts versus Kansas City and has its current team limited to a .214 team batting average.

2. Road Warriors - The Tigers are 10-2 in Sanchez's last 12 road starts versus a team with a winning record and Sanchez has earned three straight "Ws" at Kauffman behind a 2.12 ERA.

3. X-Factor - Ian Kinsler is 4-for-6 with one double against Ventura this season and he's batting .429 so far in August.

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