Posted on
4/21/2008 5:20:09 PM
MLB Betting – Rockies Host Phils As Teams Struggle In Early Going
By Eric Williams
While neither, the Colorado Rockies, (9-9, 9-9 O/U) or Philadelphia Phillies (9-10, 8-11 O/U) have gotten off to inspiring starts to their respective regular seasons, each ballclub as well as online baseball betting enthusiasts can take solace in the fact that they reached the postseason last year despite much more horrendous starts.
The Phillies enter tonight’s contest coming off a 5-4 home victory over the New York Mets, avoiding a three-game sweep in the BetUS Sportsbook in the process, getting two home runs from All-Star second baseman Chase Utley to push their major league-leading home run total to 30.
The red-hot Utley has gone deep in four consecutive games a career-high, while going 8-for-16 with five home runs and eight RBIs during the four-game span.
With NL MVP Jimmy Rollins being placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a sprained left ankle, Utley’s offense couldn’t be coming at a better time.
"It has gotten a lot better, but it isn't getting better from this point," said Rollins, who has missed seven games.
The Rockies, who can get back to .500 with a win in this game, come into this matchup off a 6-4 loss to the Houston Astros that snapped a four-game winning streak.
"We're going good," said third baseman Garrett Atkins told the team's official Web site. "We're going home for a quick homestand, and hopefully continue to swing the bats."
The Rockies will hand the ball to Mark Redman (2-1, 4.60 ERA) who is looking for his third consecutive win in this contest. Redman is 2-1 in three starts covering 15.2 innings. He has struck out nine batters and walked six while allowing just one home run.
The Phillies will counter with young hurler Kyle Kendrick who is coming off a solid 10-4 record as a rookie last season.
Kendrick is just 1-2 in three starts covering 14.1 innings with six strikeouts and nine walks. Kendrick has allowed just one home run and has a 4.40 ERA. The 23-year-old right-hander limited the Houston Astros to just two runs on four hits in seven innings last Wednesday but took a tough 2-1 loss.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my analysis and MLB Gambling Free Picks:
The Phillies are 4-0 in Kendrick’s last 4 starts as a road favorite.
The Phillies are 4-0 in Kendrick’s last 4 starts as a road favorite of -110 to -150.
The Phillies are 4-0 in Kendrick’s last 4 starts during game 1 of a series.
The Rockies are 5-1 in Redman’s last 6 starts.
The Rockies are 5-1 in Redman]s last 6 starts on grass.
The Over is 6-1 in Kendrick’s last 7 starts with 4 days of rest.
The Under is 6-0 in Rockies last 6 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
The Phillies are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings.
Analysis: The Phillies are the pick even on the road tonight as I expect their terrific lineup of hitters to touch up Redman more than Colorado’s almost equally impressive batting order will get to Kendrick. Take the Under and the Phils MLB bettors.
MLB Free Picks: Phillies 6 Rockies 4
08:35 PM EST MLB Odds
Philadelphia Phillies
Kyle Kendrick - R +1½ -190
Colorado Rockies
Mark Redman - L -1½ +160
Over 11 -110
Under 11 -110
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