This is a 9* TOP NL TOTAL on the OVER Phillies/Marlins.

We're expecting these starters to get chased early and we believe that'll ultimately help in driving this total OVER the posted number.

The Marlins return home for their first home game of the year after losing four of five on the West Coast to kick things off. THey had the fourth-worst record in the NL last year, so they'll be super eager to find their form on their own field finally.

Sandy Alcantara (0-0, 3.60 ERA), goes for the Fish, and he walked five batters over five innings against the Giants in his debut. Last year he was 1-3 with a 3.68 ERA in four starts against Philadelphia.

"Our guys haven't really gotten going yet, but it's early," Miami manager Don Mattingly assessed last night. "Over the course of the year, they will get going."

Philadelphia counters with Kyle Gibson (1-0, 0.00), who gave up two hits and struck out ten over seven innings against a shaky Oakland team. I say regression is in order today after that gem (note that he's also 0-1 with a 13.50 ERA in one career appearance vs. Miami.)

Both teams are desperate for a win here. Look for that competitiveness to translate into offensive production on the field today.

The play is the OVER.

Good luck, NP