Posted on
4/11/2008 6:44:14 PM
MLB Baseball Betting – Streaking Cubs Against Struggling Phils
By Eric Williams
The Chicago Cubs, (6-3) were expected to be legitimate contenders for the National League Pennant this season and are currently showing the rest of the NL that they will have to be taken seriously all season long as they enter tonight’s matchup against the struggling Philadelphia Phillies, (4-6) riding a five-game winning streak in the BetUS Sportsbook, including a solid 7-3 spanking of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday.
Chicago will send staff ace Carlos Zambrano, (1-0, 1.32 ERA) to the mound today one day earlier than expected as tonight’s regularly scheduled starter Jason Marquis came down with a touch of the flu.
Zambrano limited the Houston Astros to two runs on seven hits while striking out seven in seven innings of last Sunday’s 3-2 win, after leaving his opening day start early because of cramps in his forearm.
"I am throwing the ball where I want and using my pitches," Zambrano told the team's official Web site. "The key is to pound the ball in the zone and go out and throw strikes. Like my pitching coach told me in spring training, I need to get the first-pitch strike and that will be the key for me all year long."
The Phillies have struggled, dropping two straight without 2007 MVP Jimmy Rollins after the speedy Rollins injured his ankle against the New York Mets in Tuesday’s 5-2 win.
Philadelphia has committed four errors in their last two games with his replacement, Eric Bruntlett, going a dismal 1-for-10 in his absence.
"Lateral movement. It's tender," Rollins said. "Hopefully, (Friday) night. We'll see."
Phillies starter Bret Myers (0-1, 6.30) needs to bounce back from a shaky performance in his last outing as the right-hander with the beautiful curveball allowed four runs on eight hits - including two home runs - in five innings of the Phillies’ 8-2 loss at Cincinnati on Sunday.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my MLB Betting Picks:
Key Cubs Trends
The Cubs are 4-0 in their last four games following a win.
The Cubs are 5-0 in their last five games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
The Cubs are 4-0 in their last four vs. a team with a losing record.
Key Phillies Trends
The Phillies are 4-0 in their last four Friday games.
The Phillies are 5-1 in their last six home games following a road trip of seven or more days.
The Phillies are 5-1 in their last six home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Key Totals Trends
The Under is 7-1-1 in Cubs last nine Friday games.
The Under is 5-1 in Cubs last six during game one of a series.
The Over is 8-2 in Cubs last ten road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of less than .400.
The Under is 7-0 in Phillies last seven when their opponent scores five runs or more in their previous game.
The Over is 7-1 in Phillies last eight home games following a road trip of seven or more days.
The Over is 4-0 in Myers' last four starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Under is 4-1 in Myers' last five starts vs. Cubs.
The Phillies are 5-2 in Myers' last seven starts vs. Cubs.
The Under is 21-10-3 in the last 34 meetings.
Analysis: Maybe it’s me, but I’ve been trying to figure out how Eric Bruntlett got a major league gig after watching him pitifully replace Jimmy Rollins at shortstop. Take the streaking Cubs to knock Myers around en route to another solid victory, while the Phillies pray that no one hits a ball toward Bruntlett.
MLB Free Picks: Cubs 6 Phillies 3
07:05 PM EST MLB Odds
Chicago Cubs
Carlos Zambrano - R +1½ -200
Philadelphia Phillies
Brett Myers - R -1½ +170
Over 9½ +105
Under 9½ -125
National League
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!