The Chicago White Sox are sitting top of the AL Central division but the team has faded after a strong start to the season. The White Sox have lost seven of their past 10 games, and I think the Kansas City Royals will prove too strong in Friday's game.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The pitching match-up will be the same as was scheduled for Thursday's rain-postponed contest. The means that the Royals hand the ball to Danny Duffy (0-0, 2.13) who will make his third start of the season. Duffy has pitched well out of the bullpen all season and tossed 4 1/1 innings of four-hit ball at U.S Cellular Field in Saturday's 2-1 win against Chicago, without factoring in the decision. The White Sox counter with Miguel Gonzalez (0-1, 4.57 ERA) who gave up two runs on six hits in six innings in that same contest. He is now 1-4 with a 3.66 ERA in five career starts against Kansas City.

2. Situational - The White Sox have lost five straight games when facing a left-handed starter and they're 1-4 in their past five on the road. The White Sox are 3-7 in the last 10 meetings in Kansas City.

3. X-Factor - Kansas City has won four straight series, claiming the opener each time.

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