Questions were raised how the Royals would react to losing last years World Series finale in Game 7 to the Giants after nothing short of a remarkable season. They may not be able to play the role of the underdog as often this year, but that didn't stop them in the season opener as they demolished the Chicago White Sox 10-1. After a days break it's time for Game 2 of the three game series tonight, and I like the Royals to set themselves up for a sweep tomorrow.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Royals will hand the ball to Danny Duffy who's coming off a terrific 2014 as he compiled a 2.53 ERA while holding opponents to a .209 batting average over 31 outings with 25 starts. He was only 2-4 over 13 appearances home at Kauffman Stadium but with a bit more run support it could have been a different story as he did so behind a very respectable ERA of 2.67. The White Sox will counter with Jose Quintana who has struggled against the Royals all throughout his three years in the major leagues. He is 0-6 with a 4.38 ERA in 12 starts lifetime against Kansas City and conceded 15 runs on 34 hits over 27 2/3 innings of work over four starts last season, taking the loss in three of them. He's not exactly coming in red hot posting a 4.94 ERA over seven starts in spring training and could be in for another rough outing against the Royals.

2. Home Cookin' - The Royals have won eight of their last 10 home at Kauffman Stadium and have claimed four of the last five home meetings against the White Sox.

3. X-Factor - Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon owned Quintana last season as they went a combined 11-for-25 with five doubles against the southpaw and Cain is 10-for-32 against Quintana lifetime.

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