This is a 10* NL NON-DIV TOM on the UNDER D-Backs/Pirates.

These teams have been involved in several higer-scoring games of late, but I'm expecting a real "duel" here finally on Friday night between these two teams fighting for a Wildcard.

Arizona has in fact seen the total go OVER in five straight after sweeping the Nationals. The D-Backs took two of three from Pittsburgh at home previous to that in which two of three games went OVER the number. Note though that Arizona has in fact seen the total go UNDER the number in eight of its last 11 after playing to five or more straight OVERs in a row.

Pittsburgh has seen the total go OVER in four of its last five after taking two of three from Houston most recently.

We have two great starters going head-to-head here in Brandon Pfaadt (5-6, 3.92 ERA) for Arizona and Louis Ortiz (5-2, 2.75) for Pittsburgh.

Pfaadt beat the Pirates last week, but he wasn't sharp allowing five runs over six innings. He's gone at least six innings in six of his last seven starts though and everything points to another long outing in my opinion.

Ortiz gave up three runs over five innings vs. Arizona in his last outing, but he's also primed for a big performance here in my estimation as well.

The overall situation, combined with the numbers/trends all point to this total being a bit too high here on Friday night, so the play is the UNDER.

Good luck, NP