There's only one way to play the total in this game - and it's surely not Under.

Boston manager Alex Cora said he feels ''really good offensively,'' about his team.

He should. The Red Sox have scored 13 runs during the first two games of this series. They are averaging 7.8 runs in their last five games. Boston has scored six or more runs in six of its last eight games.

Certainly the Astros figure to get their share of runs. They led the majors in runs and batting average. Houston is averaging 7.1 runs in its last nine games. The Astros have scored a minimum of five runs a game during these past nine games.

Neither team has a starting pitcher, or the bullpen, to stymie these powerhouse offenses.