The Chicago White Sox are well out in front in the AL Central, and they host the last place Twins in Game 1 of a home series on Friday. The Twins come in as losers of six of their last seven overall, and I don't like their chances against a hot White Sox starter in the opener.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The White Sox will send Mat Latos to the mound, and he's 4-0 with a 1.84 ERA so far this season. The right-hander gave up four runs on 11 hits over five innings, but got plenty of run support in an 8-7 win over Baltimore in his last start. Ricky Nolasco will go for the Twins, and he's coming off a rough outing, giving up five runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings in a home loss to Detroit.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Chicago has seen plenty of Nolasco, and the right-hander hasn't fooled anyone. The Sox are batting .331 over a combined 149 at bats versus Nolasco. Catcher Dioner Navarro is 7-for-15 with a home run and four RBIs.

3. X-Factor - Chicago's bullpen owns a major league best ERA of 1.75.

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