The Boston Red Sox have struggled since the All Star break and lost each of their first seven games before taking two of three against the Tigers over the weekend. I think they'll open this four-game set against the Chicago White Sox with a loss though as the visitors are coming into this contest with great momentum after a four-game sweep at Cleveland.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Red Sox hand the ball to Joe Kelly (2-6, 5.74 ERA) who'll make his second start since returning from a month in the minors. He conceded four runs on six hits with three homers in 5 1/3 innings of a 4-2 loss at Houston in his comeback to the big leagues on July 22 and he's likely to struggle home at Fenway tonight as well where he's 1-3 with a 5.54 ERA in seven outings this season. The White Sox will counter with the red hot southpaw John Danks (5-8, 4.66 ERA) who's riding a 12 2/3 scoreless streak. He's 4-6 with a 4.95 ERA in 11 career starts against the Red Sox but handled them well enough for a 1-0 record last year giving up four runs in 11 2/3 innings over two games.

2. Situational - The Red Sox have won only one of their last seven when facing a left-handed starter and their .235 team batting average against lefties for the season ranks among the worst marks in baseball.

3. X-Factor - The White Sox are 5-1 in their last six games as a road underdog.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago White Sox +1.5 (8*)