The set-up: Two red hot American League sides collide in the opener of this three-game set. Both of these starters have looked brilliant at times and pedestrian in others, but I think that the home field advantage will prove to be the difference in this one. The Mariners go with Marco Gonzalez, while the Yanks go with Domingo German.

The pitchers: Gonzalez is so far 7-3 with a 3.42 ERA. Gonzalez comes in off a no-decision against the Angels on Wednesday, allowing three runs off seven hits and two walks over five innings. Gonzalez has been sharp as a starter this year and it's difficult to say too many negative things about him. I simply feel that he's in the wrong place at the wrong time tonight.

German is so far 1-4 with a 5.23 ERA. German comes in off his best outing of the year and I think he'll carry that momentum over here. German would give up three runs over six innings while also striking out ten over six innings in the victory over the Rays.

The pick: These are two of the best clubs in the AL, but I'll point out that New York is a superb 16-4 (+8.9 units) this season against southpaws. I think this one favors the hard-hitting home side, as I look for Gonzalez to take a step back in this difficult atmosphere.