The Kansas City Royals ended a three-game skid last night when they defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in a high-scoring tilt. It was their first win at Rogers Centre in five attempts and I think that momentum will carry them to another "W" today.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Blue Jays hand the ball to R.A. Dickey (5-10, 4.27) who's off a pair of wins yielding four runs (two earned) on 12 hits in 16 1/3 innings of work. He's 1-4 with a 4.21 ERA in nine day games for the year though and has a 4.81 ERA in 13 career appearances (seven starts) versus the Royals who can counter with Edinson Volquez (10-5, 3.21 ERA). The veteran right-hander is also off a pair of victories conceding four runs on 14 hits in 13 2/3 frames. He's 0-3 with a 7.30 ERA in five starts against the Blue Jays but has held them to one earned run in 5 1/3 innings this season.

2. Situational - The Royals have won 13 of Volquez's last 16 starts and four of his last five as an underdog. They've won six of his last eight starts away from home.

3. X-Factor - The current Royals roster boast a combined .294 batting average against Dickey with Omar Infante going 17-for-34.

Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals +1.5 (8*)