This is an 8* TOTAL SPECIAL on the OVER Red Sox/Rays.

I think Boston will post at least a couple runs here as it looks to bounce back from yesterday's 5-0 defeat.

Chris Sale gets the nod for the Red Sox, he returned from Tommy John surgery and went 5-1 with a 3.16 ERA over his final nine starts. He was 0-0 with a 2.79 ERA in 9 2/3's innings against the Rays this season.

Boston actually managed nine hits yesterday, but it was just 1 of 7 with runners in scoring position.

Shane Baz counters for the Rays. Another rookie. He went 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA in three starts after being promoted from Triple-A.

McClanahan had much more experience during the regular season though. Baz really is in unchartered territory here. Tampa has a great bullpen, but I'm not convinced Baz should be getting as much respect as he here.

Finally, note that Boston has seen the total go OVER the number in eight of its last 11 after in trying to revenge a shut-out road loss to an opponent.

This number is low, the play is the OVER.

Good luck, NP