This is a 10* AL TOTAL OF THE WEEK on the UNDER Red Sox/Astros.

Both teams have been playing to several higher-scoring games of late, but I look for the opener of this series to be dominated by the men on the mound.

Boston has seen the total go OVER the number in three straight after sweeping at the Yankees over the weekend. Note though that the Red Sox have seen the total go UNDER the number in eight of their last 12 after playing to three or more straight OVERs in a row.

Houston has seen the total go OVER the number in four of its last five after losing all three at home to Seattle over the weekend. Note though that the Astros have seen the total UNDER the number in four of their last five after playing to three or more straight UNDERS in a row.

James Paxton (7-3, 3.34 ERA) gets the call for Boston, while Christian Javier (8-2, 4.49) counters for the home side.

Look for these two veterans to battle deep, and for this total to ultimatley stay UNDER the posted number once it's all said and done.

Good luck, NP