This is an 8* TOTAL SPECIAL on the UNDER Braves/Mets.

The Mets have now seen the total go OVER the number in five straight after winning yesterday's double-header here over the Braves' by scores of 8-5 and 6-2.

Note though that New York has seen the total go UNDER the number in nine of its last 12 after playing to five or more straight OVERS in a row.

Atlanta's now seen the total go OVER the number in four straight, but it's seen the total go UNDER the number in eight of its last 11 in trying to avenge two or more straight losses against an opponent.

Spencer Strider gets the nod for the Braves to turn things around, and he's 6-3 with a 2.79 ERA and 133 to 32 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

He'll be opposed by Jacob deGrom, who is 0-0 with a 1.80 ERA and a 6-to-0 K:W after one start.

The leash will be off on deGrom now as New York's ace looks to find his form and help his team win a World Series.

Everything points to these guys battling into the deeper frames and for this total to ultimately fall UNDER the number once it's all said and done.

Good luck, NP