This is an 8* TOTAL SPECIAL on the UNDER Phillies/Astros.

The Astros have nothing to play for as they get ready for the Playoffs. They have a first round bye and home field advantage until the World Series. They lost 3-0 to the Phillies in yesterday's series opener. Many starters could be rested again for the home side.

Philadelphia can now plan for the postseason as well, their first berth in the playoffs since 2011.

The teams and players are now distracted and thinking about other things than actually winning this game.

For everyone except these starting pitchers. These guys will be leaned upon here and they'll want to finish the regular season on a high note and go into the playoffs with momentum. I'm expecting these starters to be the main story line in tomorrow's summaries of this contest.

Ranger Suarez is 10-6 with a 3.37 ERA for the Rangers and enters on top form, while Justin Verlander is 17-4 with a 1.80 ERA for the Astros. Verlander is in line for the AL Cy Young and he'll be looking to cap his brilliant season against a team that he's dominated throughout his career.

Considering the circumstances, I believe this number is high. The play is the UNDER.

Good luck, NP