This is an 8* TOP IL TOTAL on the UNDER Tigers/Reds.

The Tigers have now seen the total go OVER the number in seven straight after yesterday's 7-4 setback here.

The Reds have seen the total go OVER the number in four straight now, after having seen it go UNDER in six in a row.

Each team has seen the total hit several times of late, but I think the finale of this interleague series finally sets up as more of a DUEL.

The visitors go with Casey Mize, who is 7-7 with a 3.59 ERA. He gave up three runs over six innings in a loss to the Twins in his last outing. He's a respectable 4-3 with a 3.52 ERA on the road this season.

The home side goes with Luis Castillo, who is 7-14 with a 4.30 ERA. He most recently struck out eight and allowed three runs over six innings in a loss to the Cardinals on Monday.

Castillo has struggled this year, there's no two ways about it. He has been at his best at home though, as evidenced by his 3.59 ERA (compared to 5.09 on the road.)

Finally, note that Detroit has seen the total go UNDER in seven of its last ten after playing to five or more straight OVERS in a row.

This number is high, the play is the UNDER.

Good luck, NP