The Boston Red Sox and the Kansas City Royals will do battle in a day-night doubleheader Wednesday as Monday's scheduled series-opener rained out. The Royals won last night's contest 8-4, and I think the Royals look good to book another win here in today's early match-up.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Royals hand the ball to Ian Kennedy (4-3, 3.25) as the 31 year old right-hander aims to bounce back from his worst start of the year. Kennedy gave up seven runs on five this and three walks in a 7-3 loss at Yankee Stadium on May 12, but he has held opponents to two runs or fewer in five of his seven starts for the year. He has held opponents to a combined two runs in 13 innings in two starts home at Kauffman. The Red Sox counter with Steven Wright (3-3, 2.36 ERA) who is off a real clunker as well when he conceded five runs on nine hits in 4 1/3 innings against the Astros.

2. Situational - The Royals are 5-0 in their last five opening games of a double-header while the Red Sox have lost seven of their past 10 opening games of a double-header.

3. X-Factor - Kennedy has limited hitters to one run and a .186 batting average in 12 innings in day games this season.

Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals - Game 1 (8*)