Posted on
5/7/2008 5:04:16 PM
MLB Betting Odds – Philadelphia Phillies at Arizona Diamondbacks
By Eric Williams
Before I get started with this selection, the BetUS MLB betting community should know that I have gone a fantastic 9-1 on the last 10 Philadelphia Phillies, (19-15, 17-16-1 O/U) games I have predicted, including Tuesday night’s winning selection in the BetUS Locker Room in which I correctly predicted that the Phillies and mediocre starter Adam Eaton would fall to veteran lefty Randy Johnson and the Arizona Diamondbacks, (22-11, 18-11-3 O/U), which they did, 6-4 as Stephen Drew blasted a three-run homer off Eaton.
I am back with another winning wager for tonight’s matchup in the third and final game of this three-game set between two of the best teams in the National League and in the case of the Diamondbacks, all of baseball.
The Phillies will send blossoming young right-handed starter Kyle Kendrick, (2-2, 5.01) who limited the San Francisco Giants to three runs on eight hits and six strikeouts in six innings as the Phillies won 6-5 in ten innings.
Kendrick, who is making his first career start against the D-Backs, will face talented Arizona right-hander Micah Owings (4-1, 4.42 ERA), who has struggled after getting off to a fast start.
Owings was nearly ‘lights out’ in winning his first four starts in the BetUS Sportsbook this season, but has been rocked to the tune of 12 runs, (11 earned) in his last two starts. Owings was tagged with his first loss of the season on Friday when the New York Mets jumped on all of his offerings to put up seven runs in just 5 2/3 innings in Arizona’s 7-2 loss.
"He's a very competitive guy, and sometimes, he has to settle down a little bit," Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero told the team's official Web site.
Owings is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in two career starts against the Phillies,
Phillies reigning NL MVP Jimmy Rollins is nearing a return and could possibly suit up for Philadelphia by this coming weekend if he continues to progress from his sprained left ankle.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my MLB Betting Picks.
The Phillies are 5-1 in Kendrick’s last six road starts.
The Phillies are 5-1 in Kendrick’s last six starts with four days of rest.
The Diamondbacks are 6-1 in Owings' last seven starts during game two of a series.
The Diamondbacks are 5-1 in Owings' last six starts following a team loss in their previous game.
The Over is 4-0 in Kendrick’s last four starts with four days of rest.
The Over is 5-1 in Owings' last six starts during game two of a series.
The Phillies are 10-4 in the last 14 meetings in Arizona.
The Phillies are 2-5 in the last seven meetings.
Analysis: Despite the fact the Owings has struggled in a big way recently, I like the Arizona Diamondbacks to win this game by getting just enough run support off of Philadelphia’s Kendrick while getting a quality performance from the talented Owings, arguably, baseball’s best hitting pitcher.
MLB Free Picks: Diamondbacks 5 Phillies 4
09:40 PM EST MLB Odds
Philadelphia Phillies
Kyle Kendrick - R +1½ -165
Arizona Diamondbacks
Micah Owings - R -1½ +145
Over 10½ EV
Under 10½ -120
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