This is a 10* TOTAL BOOKIEKILLER on the OVER Phillies/Astros.

If you're betting on this game, then you know the story lines. You know the cast of characters on each side. You know the strengths and weaknesses of each team.

You know all about the stats of these starting pitchers. It wouldn't be too difficult to write a convincing argument for either of these sides to win tonight here in Game 1. I mean, would it completely shock you if the Phillies rallied late for a big victory to steal Game 1? We've already seen weirder things happen during the playoffs than that.

Regardless, despite the quality of the starting pitching on the hill tonight, and despite how well these bullpens have performed to this point, I still think this opening total is low.

This could still be a lower-scoring "duel" of a game, and go "over" the number, and that's exactly what I'm expecting.

Justin Verlander is 0-6 lifetime in World Series appearances. Aaron Nola is unchartered territory.

I say this opening total is indeed just a little low, so the play is the OVER.

Good luck, NP