Phillies Look to Take another Step

The Philadelphia Phillies (80-67, 67-80 RL, 67-75-5 O/U) took two big steps toward reaching the postseason by beating the Milwaukee Brewers (83-64, 71-76 RL, 63-75-9 O/U) 6-3 on Thursday night.

Not only did Philadelphia pick up a half-game on the idle New York Mets, but they picked up a full game on Milwaukee in the NL wildcard race.

Tonight, Philadelphia will hand the ball to staff ace Cole Hamels, (12-9, 3.12 ERA) expecting a better performance than the one he delivered in his last start as he gave up five runs and nine hits, including two home runs, in just five innings of the Phillies’ 6-3 loss to the Mets on Sunday.

The Brewers will counter with left-hander Manny Parra, (10-7, 4.03) who limited the San Diego Padres to one run on six hits in five innings, though the Brewers lost 10-1 on Sunday.

Phillies’ 2006 NL MVP, first baseman Ryan Howard, blasted a two-run homer on Thursday and just missed hitting two by inches. Howard is hitting a robust.368 (14-for-38) with six homers, six doubles and 15 RBIs in September.

"I have to produce runs," Howard said. "Whatever I can do to get the team going and provide a spark, I try to do."

Here is a look at tonight’s key online sports wagering trends followed by my analysis and MLB online betting Free Picks:

The Brewers are 1-4 in Parra’s last five starts vs. a team with a winning record.

The Brewers are 1-4 in Parra’s last five starts vs. National League East.

The Phillies are 20-8 in Hamels' last 28 starts during game two of a series.

The Phillies are 10-4 in Hamels' last 14 starts with four days of rest.

The Over is 4-1-1 in Parra’s last six starts overall.

The Over is 4-1-1 in Parra’s last six starts overall.

The Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Philadelphia.

The Brewers are 1-4 in the last five meetings in Philadelphia.

MLB Odds

Milwaukee Brewers +1½ -120

Manny Parra –L +170

Philadelphia Phillies -1½ Ev

Cole Hamels –L -200

Over 8½ -110

Under 8½ -110

Analysis: I think BetUS MLB Sportsbook bettors have an easy pick on their hands with this contest as Philadelphia staff ace Cole Hamels gets back to his normally mystifying brand of pitching after a dismal outing in his last start. Take the Phillies to cruise to victory.

MLB Free Picks: Phillies 4 Brewers 2