The Kansas City Royals failed to extend a four-game winning streak when they lost the series-finale at Progressive Field 12-1 yesterday. They'll be put to the test here as well facing a Toronto Blue Jays team that is coming off an 8-2 thumping of the Phillies, but I like the Royals chances of recording an upset.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Jays hand the ball to Marco Estrada (7-6, 3.55 ERA) who lasted only four innings of a 5-2 loss at Seattle his last start when he conceded five runs on eight hits and three walks. He conceded two runs on nine hits in 6 2/3 innings in his lone career outing against the Royals on July 10, losing to Danny Duffy (4-4, 4.03 ERA) who will take the ball for the visitors. Duffy tossed four scoreless innings in the 3-0 win and has been sharp of late yielding only two runs over 20 innings in his last three starts.

2. Situational - The Royals are 6-1 in their last seven games following a loss and have won 10 of Duffy's last 11 series-opener starts. The Blue Jays are 1-10 in their last 11 games following a win.

3. X-Factor - Eric Hosmer is 8-for-13 in his last three games and a perfect 3-for-3 in previous meetings with Estrada.

Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals +1.5 (8*)