This is a 9* TOP NL TOTAL on the UNDER Cubs/Reds.

After the Reds 14-5 win here yesterday, I expect a lower-scoring contest on Tuesday.

The Cubs go with ace Kyle Hendricks, who is 13-5 with a 4.15 ERA, but who enters off an uncharacteristically poor start against the Brewers, allowing nine runs off 11 hits over four innings. It was likely the worst start of his entire career.

With that "clunker" out of the way though, I believe Hendricks returns to form here. Previous to that he'd posted six quality starts out of his previous seven trips to the hill.

He's also by far been at his best on the road, going 7-1 with a 3.13 ERA away from friendly confines.

The Reds go with Vladimier Gutierrez, who is 8-3 with a 3.95 ERA. Gutierrez enters on top form, having won four in a row and most recently allowing one run and striking out six over six innings in a victory over the Braves on Thursday.

Over his last 19.1 innings of work he's posted a sharp 21:8 K:BB.

After yesterday's slug-fest, the value on the total has now swung the other way in my opinion.

The play is the UNDER.

Good luck, NP