The set-up: Seattle's Felix Hernandez has struggled at times this year and looked brilliant in others. The Orioles Andrew Cashner though has for the most part been a disappointment. Seattle has overcome the loss of slugger Robison Cano to become one of the league's power teams and I think it opens this series with a decisive victory tonight.

The pitchers: Hernandez is so far 6-6 with a 5.14 ERA. Hernandez comes in off a strong showing against the Yankees in New York last Wednesday, giving up two runs off six hits while striking out six over five innings in what turned out to be a no-decision in the end. Hernandez comes in off back-to-back strong outings, posting a 12:2 K/BB over 12 total innings of work.

Cashner is so far 2-8 with a 4.72 ERA. Cashner comes in off a decent showing as well, going four shutout innings in a no-decision against the Nationals on Wednesday. Cashner was coming off the DL and with a break in the action due to rain, his start was ultimately cut short. Cashner though has been anything but reliable this season as he comes in sporting the poor 0-5, 5.22 ERA record at home.

The pick: Seattle is 22-16 (+6.7 units) on the road this year, while Baltimore is just 11-23 (-14.6 units) in all home games. I think "The King" can continue his momentum, while Cashner does indeed seem poised for a classic letdown. Play on Seattle.