This is an 8* TOTAL SPECIAL on the UNDER Astros/A's.

While yesterday's contest flew well OVER the number in the A's 14-2 blowout victory, I'm expecting much more of a "DUEL" between these two AL foes on Saturday.

The visitors go with Framber Valdez, who is 11-5 with a 3.07 ERA and who went seven scoreless against the Angels on Monday. He was coming off two straight outings of allowing four runs, but he's now back on track and looking to build on his sharp 6-4, 3.04 ERA road record.

The home side goes with Sean Manaea, who is 10-10 with a 4.05 ERA. He's off a loss to the Mariners on Monday, allowing four runs over five innings (owns a highly-respectable 3.59 ERA in all "day" games this year.)

Look for Manaea to get back on track at home and in this important contest, while all signs point to Valdez building off his last outing as well.

This number is a tad high, the play is the UNDER.

Good luck, NP