This is a 10* NL EAST TOTAL OF YEAR on the OVER Marlins/Nationals.

Both teams have been involved in some lower-scoring affairs, but I'm expecting a "shootout" here now on Friday night.

Miami has been alternating wins and losses over its last five games. It managed the 6-1 win here in last night's series opener.

The Nationals have managed just one run over their last two losses.

We have two decent starters going head-to-head as well, but this is just a case of the Marlins' Eury Perez (5-4, 2.68 ERA) and the Nationals' Jake Irvin (3-5, 4.30) being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The Fish are still in the hunt for a wildcard spot, and they can't afford to look past these opportunities.

For the Nationals, they have incentive here to snap the recent slide at the plate, while at the same time playing spoiler.

As good as Perez's numbers look as well, note that he's 0-3 with a 5.00 ERA in his past six starts.

I finally expect some offense to take center stage, so look for this total to fly OVER the number sooner, rather than later.

Good luck, NP