The Los Angeles Angels and the Kansas City Royals have split the first two games of this three-game series at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals have won six of their last eight and allowed the Halos to reach home plate just once in last night's 4-1 victory. Runs won't come easy for the visitors tonight either and I think the Royals will claim this rubber-match.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Angles hand the ball to Matt Shoemaker (5-8, 4.36 ERA) who had three consecutive shutouts before allowing seven runs on nine hits with three homers in 5 2/3 innings of an 8-2 loss at U.S. Cellular Field his most recent start. He's been far more effective at home than on the the road where he's posted a 5.04 ERA in 11 outings (10 starts) on the year. The Royals will counter with Johnny Cueto (8-7, 2.53 ERA) who earned his first win with the Royals his last start when he tossed a complete game shutout against the Tigers.

2. Situational - The Angels have won just one of their last 11 games away from home while the Royals are boasting one of the best home-records in baseball with a 40-20 mark. They're 8-2 in their last 10 home games against a team with a losing road record.

3. X-Factor - Lorenzo Cain is batting .500 over his last six games and he's 4-for-6 with a double and a triple off Shoemaker in previous meetings.

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