The Kansas City Royals head into this series versus Chicago trailing the first place White Sox by 2.5 games in the AL Central. The Sox are a big favorite with their ace on the mound in Game 1, but Chris Sale hasn't been all that sharp lately. My money is on the Royals plus the runs.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Royals send Ian Kennedy to the mound, and the veteran has quietly been having a fine season in his first year in Kansas City. Kennedy (4-4, 3.44 ERA) gave up five runs on eight hits over six innings in a loss at Cleveland in his last start. Prior to that he allowed a total of four runs over 15 innings in three straight wins. Sale has surrendered a dozen runs on 23 hits in three straight losses.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Royals have seen plenty of Sale, and they've had their fair share of success against the southpaw. Kansas City is batting .295 over 325 at bats versus Sale, with Lorenzo Cain leading the way hitting .348 with three home runs lifetime.

3. X-Factor - The Royals bullpen is still the best in baseball, with an ERA of 2.71.

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