The Kansas City Royals are just a game back of Cleveland in the AL Central, and they come into New York as winners of three straight. This looks like a tough spot for the defensing champs though, as they send a struggling pitcher to the mound opposite the Mets ace.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Ian Kennedy will get the call for the Royals, and he's coming off a string of shaky performances. Kennedy (5-5, 4.17 ERA) surrendered four runs on five hits and a pair of walks in 6.2 innings in a home win over Cleveland in his last start. He's been hurt by the long ball, giving up a whopping eight home runs in his last three starts.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Syndergaard shutout the Royals earlier this season, and Kansas City is hitting a combined .150 against him. He's 3-1 with a 1.80 ERA at home at Citi Field in 2016.

3. X-Factor - The Royals are 2-9 in their last 11 road games, while the Mets are 8-1 in Syndergaard's last nine starts versus a team with a winning record.

Selection: This is a play on the New York Mets 1st 5 innings (8*)