The Detroit Tigers have won seven straight at home against teams not named the Cleveland Indians following a 4-2 win against the Royals on Friday night. The reigning World Series champions have struggled on the road all season long, but I think they'll tie this series with a win at Comerica Park tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Tigers hand the ball to Mike Pelfrey (2-8, 4.58) who is 1-3 with a 5.35 ERA in seven career starts against the Royals. Pelfrey is coming off two solid outings at Toronto and Tampa Bay, but he's allowed a total of 10 runs on 27 hits in 14 2/3 innings in his last three starts home in Detroit. The Royals counter with Danny Duffy who is one of few Royals' pitchers with a winning road record this season at 2-1 behind a 2.04 ERA.

2. Situational - The Tigers have struggled against division rivals all season and they're 2-8 in their last 10 vs. American League Central teams. The Royals meanwhile have won eight of their last 10 games against division rivals and they're 5-2 against the Tigers this season.

3. X-Factor - Several otherwise reliable Tigers' bats have struggled to solve Duffy; Ian Kinsler is 3-for-20 and J.D. Martinez 1-for-14 against the left-hander.

Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals (10*)