The New York Yankees have lost five of their last seven and dropped a pair of games of a three-game series against division rivals the Orioles over the weekend. They've won six of the last eight when taking on the Los Angeles Angels though, and I think the Bronx Bombers will take down Monday's series-opener.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Yankees hand the ball to their ace Masahiro Tanaka (3-1, 2.78). Tanaka has posted an 0.90 ERA over three consecutive quality starts. He did not factor in the decision in his only match-up with the Angels back in 2014, a 3-2 win for New York. The Angels counter with Matt Shoemaker (3-6, 5.50 ERA) who is 2-1 with a 2.28 ERA in his last four starts. He was fortunate to not give up more than two runs his last start though as he surrendered 10 hits in seven innings of a 3-0 loss against the Tigers.

2. New York's Bats - The Yankees had won two of three while totaling 18 runs and 34 hits before losing 3-1 in Baltimore on Sunday. They're 10-4 in their last 14 games following a loss and I expect the Yankees to be more productive at the plate again tonight.

3. X-Factor - Shoemaker has a WHIP of 1.40 this season, Yankees are 9-2 in their last 11 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Tanaka has a 1.00 WHIP and the Angels are 7-21 in their last 28 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.

Selection: This is a play on the New York Yankees (8*)