The set-up: Two veteran studs go head-to-head in the opener of this inter-league series and suffice it to say, I'm expecting a classic "duel!" The visitors go with Rick Porcello, while the home side goes with ace Max Scherzer.

The pitchers: Porcello is so far 9-3 with a 3.60 ERA. He most recently allowed four runs off eight hits while striking out five over 5.2 innings in a no-decision to the Angels on Wednesday. Porcello hasn't been perfect this year, but he's been better than what Boston could have possibly asked for, coming in with a strong 1.13 WHIP and 99:24 K/BB over 105 innings of work.

Scherzer is so far 10-4 with a 2.04 ERA. He most recently allowed one run off four hits over seven innings in a loss to the Rays on Tuesday. Scherzer has gotten only nine runs of support over five June starts, leading to a 1-3 record, despite giving up only eight runs over 28 innings of work. Scherzer has to be feeling confident here though as he's 4-1 with a 2.03 ERA at home and 7-0 with a 1.96 ERA in all "night" games.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Boston has already seen the total go "under" the number in three of four this year as a road underdog in the +175 to +250 range, while Washington has seen the total go "under" in 12 of 17 inter-league games. I'm expecting a contested/tight battle in the latter frames. Play the "under."