The Detroit Tigers needed extra-innings to get past the Minnesota Twins in last night's opener of a three-game set at Comerica Park. They opened the season with a three game sweep here against Minnesota outscoring their opponent 22-1, and I think they'll set themselves up for another sweep with a win tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Tigers will hand the ball to Kyle Lobstein (3-2, 3.00 ERA) who's coming off 7 2/3 strong innings against the White Sox when he surrendered just one unearned run on five hits. He struggled against Minnesota last year but I think it's fair to say that the 25 year old looks like a much improved pitcher already this season. The Twins will counter with Ricky Nolasco (2-1, 9.00 ERA) and he's been hit hard in virtually all of his three appearances on the season. He has not gone deeper than five innings in any of his starts and was torched for six runs on six hits and four walks over three innings at Detroit in his season debut back in April.

2. Poor Underdogs - The Twins are a pathetic 2-8 in Nolasco's last 10 starts as an underdog and have lost seven of his last eight coming in as a road-dog.

3. X-Factor - Victor Martinez is 5-for-8 with three walks versus Nolasco lifetime.

Selection: This is a play on the Detroit Tigers (8*)