The set-up: Cincinnati lost 6-3 to the Reds on Sunday afternoon, while Washington pulled away for a 7-4 victory at the Mets. For a number of different reasons though, I think that the opener of this series sets up as more of a "duel." The Reds turn to Anthony DeSclafani, while the home side goes with Erik Fedde.

The pitchers: DeSclafani (7-6, 4.20 ERA) gave up four runs over six innings in a win over the Angels on Tuesday. Previous to that start though he'd allowed three or fewer earned runs over a seven outing stretch (note that he's a solid 4-2 with a 3.42 ERA in all night games.)

Fedde (2-2, 4.20) comes in off a dominant outing vs. the Giants last Monday and I don't think there's any reason not to think that he can't carry that momentum over here, going six scoreless vs. the Giants.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but the Reds have seen the total go under the number in eight of their last 11 National League road games in which the total is set between 10 and 10.5, while the Nationals have seen the total dip below the posted number in seven of their last ten home games when the total falls in the same range. This number is high.

Cincinnati Reds/Washington Nationals UNDER 10* play