This is a 10* TOP NL TOTAL on the UNDER Reds/Cards.

Both teams have been involved in some higher-scoring games of late, but I expect the opener of this three-game series to stay UNDER.

The visitors go with Vladimir Gutierrez, who is 0-1 with a 1.80 ERA. His last start was skipped over due to a rainout, but previous to that he pitched well against the Cubs, striking out three and giving up one run over five innings in his major league debut.

Adam Wainwright is 3-4 with a 4.22 ERA. He most recently allowed four runs with six K's over five innings in a win over the Diamondbacks. Wainwright's been far from perfect this year, but he's definitely been at his best at home, going 1-2 with an 8.41 ERA on the road, and 2-2 with a 2.41 ERA at home.

The Cardinals allowed 11 runs in the first inning in an eventual 14-3 loss at the Dodgers yesterday and that's signficant, because note that they've seen the total dip UNDER the number in ten of their last 14 after a ten runs or greater loss in their previous outing.

Expect this one to fall UNDER finally.

Good luck, NP