This is an 8* CUSTOMER APPRECIATION FRIDAY TOTAL on the OVER Rangers/Astros.

The Rangers won't be lacking for motivation here after three-straight losses. That includes a low-scoring 4-3 setback in the opener here last night.

The Astros are once again rolling, as they enter having won four of five and three in a row.

Houston has seen the total go UNDER in three of its last four, while Texas has seen the total dip UNDER in three straight.

The Rangers win games when they can score runs and I think they'll have an opportunity to do that against Zack Greinke, who is 2-1 with a 4.23 ERA this season. Last time out he conceded four runs off nine hits over four innings. While he's 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA on the road, note that he's 0-1 with a 7.50 ERA at home.

Texas counters with Wes Benjamin, who is 0-1 with a 4.76 ERA. He's been recalled to make this start out of necessity. So far he has given up three runs off four hits spanning 5.2 innings of work in the big leagues.

Finally, note that Texas has seen the total go OVER the number in seven of its last nine after playing to three or more straight UNDRES in a row.

The stage is set for a classic "slug-fest."

The play is the OVER.

Good luck, NP