The set-up: The Cubs' Cole Hamels has for the most part looked fantastic since coming over in a trade from the Rangers. Not perfect though. The Diamondbacks' Robbie Ray has endured up and down season as well. These starters have looked brilliant at times this year and very pedestrian in others. I think this one will sneak "over" the number in the end.

The pitchers: Hamels is so far 9-9 with a 3.67 ERA. He's been better on the road this year than in home situations, but there's no question he faces a difficult opponent in a difficult venue tonight (note that the Cubs have seen the total go "over" in ten of their last 17 National League night road games when the line in the contest is set between +150 and -150.)

Ray is so far 5-2 with a 4.14 ERA. He's been much better in the second half of the season after a shaky first, but note that he still owns a poor 5.57 ERA at home this season.

The pick: I believe these veteran starters are running out of gas as the season comes down the stretch and I think each will "get the hook early" in this one. As a result, look for this total to sneak OVER once it's all said and done.