The Kansas City Royals entered this four-game set against the Cleveland Indians as winners of nine of their last 10. They've now lost back-to-back games to the Tribe to see Cleveland climb just half a game behind them for the top spot in the AL Central. I think enough is enough, and the Royals will show why they're the reigning champs with a win tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Tribe hand the ball to Josh Tomlin (7-1, 3.79) who is coming off his worst start of the year. Tomlin was roughed up for eight runs (four earned) on nine hits in 3 2/3 innings of a 9-2 home loss against Texas. He has struggled with the long ball this season, surrendering at least one in each of his last eight outings and six in his last four. The Royals counter with Ian Kennedy (4-3, 3.03 ERA) who has been very consistent this season. Kennedy has held opponents to two runs or fewer in eight of his 10 starts and allowed one run on three hits and five walks in six innings against Tampa Bay his last start, without factoring in the decision in the 6-2 win.

2. Situational - The Tribe won last night's contest 6-1. Kansas City is 8-1 in its last nine after allowing five runs or more in its previous game and 6-1 in its last seven coming off a loss.

3. X-Factor - Tomlin has posted a 5.17 ERA in 17 games against Kansas City and several of the current Royals have good numbers against the right-hander.

Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals +1.5 (5*)