1* free play on BOS@SEA to go OVER the total...

The Seattle Mariners were one of the favorites to win the AL West this year, but after a slow start they sit 5.5 games back of first place Houston. The welcome the Boston Red Sox to town tonight for Game 1 of a new series at Safeco, and I think we could see a few runs cross the plate in Seattle tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Sox hand the ball to Joe Kelly, who is coming off a very rough outing. Kelly (1-2, 6.35 ERA) allowed six runs on four hits and seven walks in 5.2 innings in a loss to Toronto. He's been torched for 11 runs on 12 hits in his last two starts on the road. The Mariners counter with Roenis Elias, who hasn't been sharp either. Elias (0-1, 3.86 ERA) allowed three runs on six hits over seven innings in a loss to Oakland in his last appearance. He lost his only start at Safeco this season, and he is 4-7 with a 4.04 ERA in 16 starts in Seattle since 2012.

2. The Bullpens - The Mariners had one of the best bullpens in the American League last year, but Seattle's relievers own a 3.78 ERA (20th in MLB) this season, and that's even worse when you consider they play in a pitcher's park. Boston's relievers rank just ahead of Seattle with an ERA of 3.75.

3. X-Factor - Nelson Cruz leads the league in batting average (.346), home runs (15), and he's second with 29 RBI's.

Selection: This is a play on Boston/Seattle to go OVER the total (Free).