posted May 5, 2008 at 16:50 in MLB Articles
Bet on MLB Baseball – Hot Teams Meet As Diamondbacks Host Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies, (18-14, 16-16 O/U) have made a habit the last few seasons of beating up on National League pitchers with their powerful batting order which features the last two National League MVP winners in first baseman Ryan Howard and shortstop Jimmy Rollins.
Tonight, Philadelphia will face a new National League hurler in Arizona Diamondbacks, (21-10, 17-11-2 O/U) flame-throwing right-hander, Max Scherzer, (0-0, 0.00 ERA).
Despite having one of the best young pitching staffs in all of baseball, the Diamondbacks say they are certain they have the makings of another dominant starter in the 23-year-old Scherzer who is coming off an absolutely overpowering relief appearance last Tuesday, as he replaced ineffective starter Edgar Gonzalez by tossing 4 1/3 hitless innings while striking out seven batters.
"You've got a guy throwing 98 and he had a nice slider to go with it," Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. "He kept the ball down, and when he needed that extra he went and got it. That's a pretty good arm there."
Scherzer retired all 13 batters he faced and has been nearly unhittable at Triple-A Tucson this season as well, posting a microscopic 1.17 ERA 38 strikeouts and three walks in 23 innings.
"We stretched him out (last Tuesday) and we saw exactly what they saw in Triple-A and what we saw in spring training," Melvin said. "Being that he was in a starting role and had the kind of success he did, it made sense to start him."
The Diamondbacks, who lost to the New York Mets 5-2 on Sunday, won’t have it easy against Phillies 45-year-old veteran left-hander, Jamie Moyer, (1-2, 4.50) as they seek to avoid consecutive losses for the first time in three weeks.
The Phillies have won three of their last four including a thrilling 6-5 comeback win over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday.
Phillies left fielder Pat Burrell, (.330, 9 HR) continued his torrid hitting on Sunday, going 2-for-3 with two doubles, two walks and two RBIs.
"This is the best I've seen because he's hitting more balls to right field," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel told his team's official Web site. "He's got a better setup and has got a little rhythm going. His swing is powerful. This is the best I've seen him hit."
Moyer is looking to improve on his last start as he allowed four runs on nine hits in just 5 1/3 innings Wednesday, as the Phillies lot to the San Diego Padres 4-2.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my MLB Betting Picks.
The Phillies are 11-5 in Moyer’s last 16 starts during game one of a series.
The Phillies are 1-4 in Moyer’s last five Monday starts.
The Diamondbacks are 4-1 in their last five Monday games.
The Diamondbacks are 8-2 in their last ten home games vs. a left-handed starter.
The Over is 4-1 in Moyer’s last five Monday starts.
The Under is 4-1 in Moyer’s last five starts on grass.
The Over is 8-3-1 in Diamondbacks last 12 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
The Over is 5-2 in Diamondbacks last seven games vs. a left-handed starter.
The Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.
The Phillies are 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in Arizona.
Analysis: While Philadelphia’s Moyer can be absolutely mystifying almost every time he takes the mound, I am going with the young Arizona Diamondbacks to win this matchup behind their young starter, whom the Phillies haven’t faced yet. If Scherzer throw anywhere like he did in his last outing, Philadelphia could get blanked, even with their potent offense.
MLB Free Picks: Diamondbacks 5 Phillies 1
09:40 PM EST MLB Odds
Jamie Moyer - L +1½ -165
Max Scherzer - R -1½ +145
Over 9½ -120
Under 9½ EV
Go to the BetUS sportsbook today and take a swing at Major League Baseball online betting. We have the most current baseball odds and lines, as well as player, game and series props throughout the MLB baseball season. To help you bet on sports, check out the Free Picks section of the Locker Room for sports betting free picks and predictions. Join BetUS to experience the best in online sports betting action!
