This is an 8* TOP NL TOTAL on the OVER Cubs/Reds.

I had a play on the OVER in this game yesterday and while that came up short, I think the finale of this three-game set finally sets up as more of an offensive affair.

The visitors will be hungry to "get off the schneid" here, as the Cubs have now lost eight in a row.

The Reds on the other hand are hoping to continue their win streak before the All Star break, entering having won six of their last ten, including three in a row.

Kyle Hendicks (10-4, 3.98 ERA) gave up four runs off seven hits over six innings in a loss to the Brewers on Monday. Previous to that he'd won eight straight decisions.

Hendricks has been good this year, but I think he's just in the wrong place at the wrong time today.

Wade Miley is 6-4 with a 3.09 ERA. He's also coming off a poor start, allowing four runs off eight hits over six innings in a no-decision to the Phillies.

Miley's been good as well this year, but like his counterpart, I think this recent regression is foreshadowing a further poor stretch for each.

Finally, note that the Cubs have seen the total go OVER the number in seven of their last ten after five or more straight losses in a row, while the Reds have seen the total go OVER the number in six of their last eight after three or more straight victories in a row.

The situation points to the OVER as the correct call in this one finally.

Good luck, NP