posted June 26, 2008 at 17:21 in MLB Betting Trends
Online MLB Sports Wagering Action – Phillies at Oakland A’s
A couple of batting order changes helped the Philadelphia Phillies, (43-36, 36-43 RL) snap their six-game losing streak in the BetUS Sportsbook on Wednesday, (just as predicted in the BetUS Locker Room) as they beat the Oakland A’s, (42-35, 42-35 RL) 4-0 behind a terrific outing from right-hander Kyle Kendrick.
Now, Philadelphia enters tonight’s series finale against the A’s looking for more of the same for the BetUS MLB online sports wagering community, though they will certainly have a tougher route to victory as they are facing talented A’s right-hander Rich Harden, (4-0, 2.44 ERA) who has looked unbeatable in each of his last two starts as he has recorded a microscopic 0.77 ERA while going 1-0.
Harden limited the Florida Marlins to one run on five hits in 5 2/3 innings on Friday in the A’s 7-6 win in 11 innings. Harden has also compiled a solid 4-1 mark in eight interleague starts with a 2.12 ERA.
The good news for the Phillies is that the A’s haven’t supported Harden very well recently despite his stellar performances. Oakland has put up an average of just 2.87 runs in Harden’s last five starts, nullifying his spectacular 2.01 ERA during the span.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel moved gifted second baseman Chase Utley to the No. 2 spot from his usual No. 3 spot and responded by going 4-for-5. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins, first baseman Ryan Howard and outfielder Shane Victorino were also moved from their normal spot in the batting order to help shake things up.
The Phillies will turn to veteran right-hander Adam Eaton, (2-5, 4.94 ERA) hoping for a better performance than he’s delivered in each of his last two starts as Eaton has posted a high, 6.94 ERA in the span.
Eaton allowed six runs and a season-high 12 hits in just over five innings in the Phillies’ 7-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Friday. Eaton has recorded a career 6-8 record in 19 interleague starts while posting a solid 3.43 ERA in four starts against the A’s.
Here is a look at tonight’s key online sports wagering trends followed by my analysis and MLB online betting Free Picks:
The Phillies are 4-0 in their last four games as a road underdog.
The Phillies are 4-0 in their last four Thursday games.
The Athletics are 6-0 in Harden’s last six interleague starts.
The Athletics are 8-0 in Harden’s last eight starts with five days of rest.
The Over is 4-0 in Eaton’s last four starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
The Over is 8-1 in Harden’s last nine starts with five days of rest.
The Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
The Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Oakland.
Analysis: While the Phillies bounced back nicely yesterday to snap a six-game skid, I like the A’s to come right back tonight with a solid win behind Rich Harden. The fact of the matter is that Philadelphia is not swinging the bats very well at the moment and will face a very tough starter in Harden. I like the A’s to put up just enough runs against Philly’s Adam Eaton to win this contest.
MLB Free Picks: A’s 6 Phillies 3
03:35 PM EST MLB Lines
Philadelphia Phillies
Adam Eaton - R +1½ -120
Oakland Athletics
Rich Harden - R -1½ EV
Over 8½ -110
Under 8½ -110
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