This is a 10* TOTAL BK on the UNDER A's/Mariners.

Both sides have been playing to several higher-scoring games of late, but we're anticipating a much tighter, and ultimately lower-scoring "duel" here in the opener of this three-game series.

Oakland is 18-21 overall after losing three of four to the Rangers this week. That includes a 12-11 loss most recently. The A's have seen the total go OVER in three straight, but note that Oakland has in fact seen the total go UNDER four of its last five after playing to three or more straight OVERS in a row.

Seattle has seen teh total go OVER in three straight after ysterday's 11-1 loss at Minnesota, but note that the Mariners have seen the total dip below the posted number in eight of their last 12 after playing to three or more straight OVERs in a row.

We have two really decent starters going head-to-head here as well, with Paul Blackburn (3-1, 3.00 ERA) getting the call for the A's and Bryan Woo (0-0, 0.00) countering for the Mariners.

Woo makes his debut, but was given the green light after pitching 11.1 innings of no run ball in his re-hab stint.

Look for these two capable starters to take center stage.

The play is the UNDER.

Good luck, NP