 |
vs.
|
 |
Arizona Diamondbacks (69-53) vs Philadelphia Phillies (78-42)
Wednesday August 17 – 7:05PM (ESPN)
Pitching Probables: Joe Saunders vs Cliff Lee
Spread: Philadelphia Phillies -1.5
Money Line: Philadelphia Phillies -260, Arizona Diamondbacks +220
Over/Under: 7.5
The Arizona Diamondbacks are the most pleasant surprise of the 2011 season. After last night’s win against Philadelphia they have opened up a solid 3.5 game lead over the San Francisco Giants in the National League West. This series could easily be a playoff preview and if so the D-Backs can take some confidence from their 3-1 record against the Phillies thus far this season. Their one loss was back in April in a game Joe Saunders started and was hit hard giving up 6 runs in 5.2 innings. Saunders struggled early in the season but like the rest of the team has really come on over the last couple of months. He also has been much more effective on the road as his style and stuff doesn’t lend itself well pitching in a hitter friendly home park. I have never been a fan of Saunders and it should be noted the team is .500 when he takes the hill this year.
Click Here for more Free Expert MLB Baseball Picks
The Philadelphia Phillies took a “surprise” loss last night with Roy Halladay on the hill. They continue to win at am impressive clip (7 of their last 10) and look to get back to it with lefty Cliff Lee on the hill this evening. Lee’s return to the city of Brotherly Love has been a bit up and down with little in between. He has been dominant of late (back to back shutouts) but when he has been off he has been way off with some unexpectedly ugly outings. He is looking to even his record against the D-Backs this season with a victory as he was victim to a 4-0 shutout the last time he faced Arizona. Lee has been a tough pitcher to back this season for bettors because he receives scant offensive support (barely 3 runs per game). The Phillies are 15-9 when he starts but he has produced less than a unit of profit despite that very good record including several dominant performances.
The odds makers have the Philadelphia Phillies as a -1.5 point favorite with an run total of 7.5.
Prediction: It is very hard to bet against the Phillies this year and betting with them often offers little value. This seams like another one of those situations. The Phillies should rebound and even the series.
Score Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies – 5, Arizona Diamondbacks – 2
Need more help making your picks winners? Check out our top handicappers.
Arizona Diamondbacks Betting Trends:
- Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone OVER in 13 of Arizona’s last 19 games
- The total has gone OVER in 8 of Arizona’s last 9 games on the road
- Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia Phillies Betting Trends:
- Philadelphia is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 6 games at home
- Philadelphia is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home
- The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia’s last 12 games when playing Arizona
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.