Posted on
4/17/2008 11:54:11 AM
MLB Betting Odds – Phils Look To Bounce Back Against Astros
By Eric Williams
The MLB baseball betting community is in for a great wagering opportunity in the ball park today. After getting beaten on Wednesday night by an overpowering performance from all-star pitcher Roy Oswalt, (as predicted in the BetUS Sportsbook Locker Room on Wednesday), and equally impressive performance from former Phillies outfielder Michael Bourn the Philadelphia Phillies enter tonight’s series finale against the Houston Astros looking to get their bats going after watching Oswalt handcuff them for seven innings on Wednesday night and Bourn scored the Astros’ only two runs, including a game-winning homer in the fifth inning.
Oswalt ended the first 3-0 start in his career by limiting Philadelphia to one run on five hits in seven innings.
"He was vintage Roy," Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. "He kept the ball down, had a nice breaking ball and his fastball was crisp. He pitched real well."
Bourn singled and stole second base before scoring in the first inning. He followed that impressive feat up by drilling a game-winning solo shot in the fifth off talented Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick.
"You always want to play well against the team that traded you," Bourn said. "More importantly, we got the win. I'm glad we bounced back the way we did. I can't be mad at them. They gave me my opportunity last year. I'm happy where I'm at now."
The Phillies will send veteran hurler Brett Myers to the mound who pitched much better in his last outing than in his first two starts of the season, holding the Chicago Cubs to three runs on five hits in eight innings.
"I definitely felt a lot more aggressive," Myers said following his last stint. "I felt I threw pitches with conviction instead of lollipopping them up there."
Astros starter Brandon Backe (1-1, 2.25), picked up his first win of the season on Saturday, shutting out the Florida Marlins for five innings of Houston's 5-0 victory.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my MLB Betting Picks.
The Astros are 4-1 in Backe’s last 5 starts vs. National League East.
The Astros are 4-1 in Backe’s last 5 starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
The Phillies are 4-0 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400.
The Phillies are 4-1 in their last 5 home games.
The Under is 6-0 in Backe’s last 6 starts as a road underdog.
The Under is 7-1 in Myers' last 8 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
The Over is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings.
The Astros are 10-4 in the last 14 meetings in Philadelphia.
The Astros are 17-8 in the last 25 meetings.
Analysis: While I’m certainly not a Brett Myers fan and think he may be better suited to closing than starting, I like him to lead the Phillies to victory over Brandon Backe and team.
MLB Free Picks: Phillies 5 Astros 4
01:05 PM EST MLB Odds
Houston Astros
Brandon Backe - R +1½ -130
Philadelphia Phillies
Brett Myers - R -1½ +110
Over 9½ -115
Under 9½ -105
National League
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