The Seattle Mariners are in first place in the AL West, and the come into Game 2 of this home series versus Oakland as winners of four of their last five. The Athletics won Game 1 by a score of 5-0, but I don't like their chances here in Game 2 at Safeco.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Nathan Karns will get the call for the Mariners, and he's having himself a fine season. Karns (4-1, 3.33 ERA) allowed one run on four hits over five innings in a win over Baltimore in his last outing. The A's counter with Kendall Graveman, who has dropped his last five starts.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Mariners beat Graveman at the beginning of the month, tagging him for four runs on 10 hits over 6.1 innings. The big bats have feasted on the young right-hander, with Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz a combined 8-for-13 against him.

3. X-Factor - Seattle boasts the second best bullpen in the American League, just behind Kansas City.

Selection: This is a play on the Seattle Mariners (8*)