The set-up: This is the opener of a three-game set between these American League foes. The Royals hand the ball to the veteran Jason Hammel, while the A's go with Paul Blackburn.

The pitchers: Hammel is just 2-5 with a 5.17 ERA thus far. Hammel most recently gave up three runs off seven hits over six innings in a no-decision against the A's on Saturday. Previous to that though Hammel had allowed four runs over three consecutive starts. Note that he owns a poor 5.53 ERA on the road.

Blackburn makes his season debut here. Over ten starts spanning 58.2 innings with the A's last year he'd post a 3.22 ERA and 22:16 K/W.

The pick: Take it for what you will, but KC is a terrible 11-29 (-14.9 units) against right-handed starters this season, while Oakland is 23-17 (+5.6 units) against right-handed starters. Blackburn couldn't have asked for a better opponent to make his debut against. I think the home side hurler out duels his inconsistent counterpart. Play on Oakland.