This is a 10* AL TOTAL OF THE WEEK on the OVER Twins/Orioles.

Both teams had Thursday off. Both teams are in need of a victory here and we think that's going to help in translating into some offensive production on the diamond.

Minnesota enters off three straight losses at Atlanta, and all three games went UNDER the number. Note that the Twins have seen the total go OVER the number in three of their last four after three or more straight losses in a row, and in eight of their last 12 after playing to three or more straight UNDERS in a row.

They've also seen the total go OVER the number in five of their last seven after getting shutout in their previous game.

Baltimore lost two of three here at home to Cincinnati, including an 11-7 setback in the finale.

Pablo Lopez is 3-5 with a 4.41 ERA for the Twins, and he's 0-2 with a 4.59 ERA in eight total "night" games this season.

He'll be opposed by Dean Kremer, who is 8-3 with a 4.50 ERA. He's been solid. So has Lopez for the most part.

This is just a case of these guys being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

And that's how I see this one breaking down. Expect this total to fly OVER the number sooner, rather than later.

Good luck, NP