This is a 10* TOP IL TOTAL on the UNDER Tigers/Reds.

Detroit has seen the total go OVER in three straight. Cincinnati has seen it go OVER in two straight. Previous to that it had seen the total go UNDER in six straight.

I say the opener of this non-conference series sets up as a lower-scoring affair.

The Tigers go with Tyler Alexander, who is 2-2 with a 4.34 ERA. He worked out of the bullpen in his last outing and allowed two runs over three innings to the Jays. Alexander will be looking to make the most of his time in the starting rotation here, note that he's 1-0 with a 3.95 ERA on the road this season.

The home side goes with Vladamir Gutierrez, who is 9-5 with a 4.03 ERA. He owns a respectable 1.32 WHIP and 75:35 K:BB over 96 innings and he's been decent both at home and on the road this season.

I say these two young and hungry starters throw into the latter frames and I believe that'll help in driving this total UNDER the number once it's all said and done.

Good luck, NP