Posted on
5/8/2008 2:29:31 PM
MLB Betting Action – Phils Looking For Win Against Young D-Backs
By Eric Williams
Okay BetUS MLB Betting Community, I’ll be the first to admit that the Philadelphia Phillies, (20-15, 17-17-1 O/U) have caught me by surprise in two of their three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks, (22-12, 18-12-3 O/U) this week, winning twice in games, that I had predicted losses in, (though I did manage to call Tuesday’s matchup correctly in the BetUS Locker Room).
The Phillies, winners of six of their last ten games in the BetUS Sportsbook, will look to pick up their third win against Arizona tonight, but will have a much tougher road to victory as they will face overpowering Diamondbacks right-hander Brandon Webb, (7-0, 2.49 ERA), the 2006 Cy Young award winner who has swiftly and decisively mowed down every batting order he has faced this season.
However, Philadelphia may have some glimmer of hope as Webb is coming off his least impressive start of the season, allowing four runs on five hits in six innings against the New York Mets on Saturday though the Diamondbacks won going away, 10-4.
"There are very few guys that I can think of starters or relievers that have better changeups than Webby does," D-Backs manager Bob Melvin told the team's official Web site.
The Phillies will turn to talented, but severely inconsistent starter, Brett Myers, (2-2, 4.70), who turned in his best performance of the season in his last outing, limiting the San Francisco Giants to two runs in seven innings while striking out 10 batters in the Phillies’ 3-2 loss in 10 innings.
"That was the best I saw his fastball," Manuel said. "That's a good sign. I saw 92, 93 and that was encouraging."
The Phillies have won 12 of their last 17 games since losing 2007 NL MVP Jimmy Rollins to an ankle injury just about two weeks ago, though the man affectionately know as ‘J-Roll- is schedule to return to the Phillies’ lineup soon.
Phillies all-star second baseman Chase Utley has carried the Phillies in Rollins’ absence, along with left fielder Pat Burrell. Utley leads all major leaguers with 13 homers and picked up a key RBI in the eighth inning on Wednesday to cap off Philadelphia’s comeback win.
"That's staying after 'em. That's what I talk about," manager Charlie Manuel said. "As long as our pitching and defense keeps us in the game, somewhere along the line we'll put some runs on you."
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my MLB Betting Picks.
The Phillies are 9-2 in Myers' last eleven road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
The Phillies are 4-1 in Myers' last five starts as an underdog of +110 to +150.
The Diamondbacks are 4-0 in Webb’s last four starts as a favorite.
The Diamondbacks are 5-0 in Webb’s last five starts with four days of rest.
The Over is 4-1 in Myers' last five starts following a team loss in their previous game.
The Under is 5-1 in Webb’s last six starts vs. National League East.
The Phillies are 11-5 in the last 16 meetings in Arizona.
Analysis: While the Phillies are playing excellent baseball and starting pitcher Brett Myers is coming off his best outing of the season, Philadelphia will go down swinging in this contest as Arizona’s Brandon Webb takes another step toward winning the 2008 Cy Young award. Take the D-Backs to win behind another masterful performance from Webb.
MLB Free Picks: Diamondbacks 5 Phillies 2
03:40 PM EST MLB Odds
Philadelphia Phillies
Brett Myers - R +1½ -155
Arizona Diamondbacks
Brandon Webb - R -1½ +135
Over 8½ +105
Under 8½ -125
National League
You’ll find the latest 2007-2008 NBA odds and lines in the best online sportsbook, BetUS.com. Betting on NBA player and game props makes every aspect of the game exciting. Join BetUS.com today to bet on the NBA and make online sports betting work for you!