We like the Kansas City Royals to defeat the New York Yankees on Monday for a number of reasons. Here are some of the more important ones:

The Royals looked very strong in Game 1. This is a must-win game for them as they do not want to go down 2-0 in a five game series.

Cole Ragans completely picked a part the Orioles in the wildcard series. He's the expected starter today.

Ragans owns a career 2.57 ERA in two starts against the Yankees. He gave up only two runs in six innings earlier last month against them.

Carlos Rodon enters the postseason after having a season filled with ups and downs. Over his career, he is just 4-6 against the Royals with an ERA of 4.66 in 13 outings.

Rodon also is 0-1 in his playoff career with a 13.50 ERA in two appearances.

The Royals were even with the Yankees in hits in Game 1, meaning they will compete.

Playoffs are normally close, low scoring battles. We'll take the Royals plus a run and a half in Game 2.

AAA Sports