The Chicago White Sox have dropped five of six since the All Star break and will be looking to turn their fortune around when hosting division rival the Detroit Tigers for the opener of a four-game series on Thursday. The Tigers are off back-to-back losses to the lousy Twins, and I don't like their chances here against Chicago.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The White Sox hand the ball to James Shields (4-11, 5.10). The right-hander had an extraordinary poor start to his career with Chicago, but he's pitched considerably better lately with a 1.91 ERA over his last four outings. Shields was excellent in his last start when he surrendered just one run and two hits in eight innings at Anaheim. The Tigers counter with Mike Pelfrey (2-9, 4.95 ERA) who is 1-5 with a 5.81 ERA lifetime against the White Sox.

2. Road Woes - The Tigers are 2-8 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and Pelfery is 0-6 on the road this season.

3. X-Factor - The Tigers have totaled four runs in their past three games. The White Sox meanwhile have scored 14 in their last three.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago White Sox (10*)