posted April 29, 2008 at 15:19 EST in MLB Betting Trends

Though the Philadelphia Phillies, (14-12, 13-13 O/U) lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-1 on Sunday to snap their modest three-game winning streak, the Phillies did finish their seven-game road trip with a solid 5-2 record and have won six of their last eight games in the BetUS Sportsbook.

The San Diego Padres, (10-16, 11-14-1 O/U) on the other hand, come into tonight’s matchup off a classic pitching duel between their own staff ace Jake Peavy and Arizona Diamondbacks 2006 Cy Young award winner Brandon Webb on Sunday evening.

Unfortunately, the Padres and Peavy came up just short as Webb tossed a four-hit, one-run performance against them in six efficient innings to help the Diamondbacks to a thrilling 2-1 victory.

Now, the Padres will ask Hall of Fame-bound right-hander to try and beat the Phillies with all-star left-hander Cole Hamels on the mound.

Maddux will be attempting to win his 350th game for the third time after putting upa fine performance in his last outing, limiting the San Francisco Giants to just four hits and one run in seven innings last Wednesday before Trevor Hoffman came in a blew the game for Maddux and the save opportunity for himself.

Maddux (2-1, 3.66 ERA) can become just the ninth player in MLB history to reach that figure by beating the Phillies and Hamels.

The 24-year-old Hamels is looking to bounce back from a poor outing as he allowed five runs on eight hits, including two home runs, in seven innings of the Phillies 5-4 loss at Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my MLB Betting Picks.

The Padres are 7-1 in Maddux’s last eight starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

The Padres are 5-1 in Maddux’s last six starts as an underdog.

The Phillies are 4-0 in Hamels' last four starts as a home favorite of -151 to -200.

The Phillies are 10-1 in Hamels' last eleven home starts vs. a team with a losing record.

The Over is 8-1-2 in Maddux’s last eleven starts after scoring two runs or less in their previous game.

The Over is 4-1-1 in Maddux’s last six starts during game one of a series.

The Over is 5-1-1 in Hamels' last seven Tuesday starts.

The Under is 5-1 in Hamels' last six home starts.

The Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.

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

Analysis: While Maddux is headed toward the Hall of Fame following his stellar career, I like the Phillies to deny him his 350th career win by getting a spectacular performance from their own gifted hurler, Cole Hamels. Take the Phils to win a close one.

MLB Free Picks: Phillies 5 Padres 3

07:05 PM EST MLB Odds

San Diego Padres

Greg Maddux - R +1½ -135

Philadelphia Phillies

Cole Hamels - L -1½ +115

Over 9 EV

Under 9 -120

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