Posted on
5/16/2008 4:23:18 PM
MLB Interleague Free Picks – Jays at Phillies
By Eric Williams
The Toronto Blue Jays, (21-22, 19-24 RL) have won four consecutive online betting games in the BetUS Sportsbook, including a thrilling 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday that completed a four-game sports betting sweep of the AL counterparts.
The Philadelphia Phillies, (23-19, 17-25 RL) come into tonight’s contest having won two of three over the Atlanta Braves in the BetUS Sportsbook, including an emphatic 5-0 shutout of the Braves on Thursday as staff ace Cole Hamels pitched a gem.
While the Blue Jays are trying to make a move up the AL East standings, the Phillies are also trying to find their rhythm, though one players who has been in a season long hitting slump could be breaking out in a big way as 2006 NL MVP, Phillies ‘big-bopper’ Ryan Howard has hit home runs in consecutive games after hitting just seven in his first 40 games.
"He's been following the ball better," manager Charlie Manuel told the Phillies' official Web site on Wednesday. "When he gets hot, somebody's ERA is going up."
After rapping out 12 hits against the Braves on Thursday, the Phillies will be looking for more against a Blue Jays team they beat twice last season in three home contests.
The Phillies will turn to ageless veteran left-hander Jamie Moyer (2-3, 5.02 ERA) looking to bounce back from his worst start of the season after he allowed a season-high six runs on nine hits in four innings of Saturday’s 8-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants.
Toronto will counter with left-hander in David Purcey, (0-0, 2.08), who is making his second big league appearance after being called up from Triple-A because of a rainout against Cleveland on Sunday.
Purcey tossed 4 1/3 innings in his first major league outing on April 18 against the Detroit Tigers, allowing just one run on two hits in the 8-4 loss.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my MLB Betting Picks.
The Blue Jays are 4-0 in their last four road games vs. a team with a winning record.
The Blue Jays are 4-1 in their last five interleague games.
The Phillies are 4-1 in Moyer’s last five home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
The Phillies are 4-1 in Moyer’s last five Friday starts.
The Under is 6-1-1 in Blue Jays last eight games as an underdog.
The Over is 4-0 in Phillies last four Friday games.
The Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Philadelphia.
The Under is 7-2 in the last nine meetings.
Analysis: I like the Phillies o pound the snot out of Toronto’s young starter while getting one of those crafty performances that Jamie Moyer is known for delivering while winning going away.
MLB Free Picks: Phillies 7 Blue Jays 4
07:05 PM EST MLB Odds
Toronto Blue Jays
David Purcey - L +1½ -160
Philadelphia Phillies
Jamie Moyer - L -1½ +140
Over 9½ -115
Under 9½ -105
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