This is an 8* TOTAL SPECIAL on the UNDER Astros/As.

Both teams have been playing to several higher-scoring games of late, but we're expecting those trends to end this evening.

The Astros have now seen the total go OVER the number in three straight after losing the first two games of this series in Oakland.

Despite that, Houston remains one of the best in the league with a collective 3.05 ERA (ranked 2nd.)

And despite the A's having won five of their last six, they're still only averaging 3.41 runs per game (ranked 29th.) Note as well that Oakland has seen the total go UNDER in seven of its last ten after playing to three or more straight OVERS in a row.

We have two really competent starters going head-to-head here as well. Christian Javier (6-5, 3.13 ERA) gets the nod for the visitors, while the home side counters with Cole Irvin (5-7, 3.08.)

All signs point to these two being the main storylines in tomorrow's summaries of this contest.

Expect a classic "duel" and look for this one to stay well UNDER the number once it's all said and done.

Good luck, NP