Phillies vs. Pirates Friday MLB Free Pick + Preview

[Shame About Ray]

Bet On MLB Baseball – ‘Pat the Bat’ Is Back As Phillies Visit Pirates

Ten years after the Philadelphia Phillies, (12-11, 11-12 O/U) made left fielder Pat Burrell the first overall draft pick in the 1998 MLB Draft, the once promising heavy hitter is finally fulfilling all of those years of tantalizing promise.

Burrell, who leads the major leagues with 25 RBI and is second to teammate Chase Utley in both home runs and slugging percentage, was at it again on Thursday night, lacing a two-out, two-run double in the eighth inning to lift the Phillies to a solid 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

"He's swinging good, man. He's hot," said Manuel, who said Burrell's ability to hit with two strikes is a sign of confidence in his new batting stance.

"If you have a good approach with two strikes, and you get a few hits here and there, you start building some confidence with it and you're not worried about hitting with two strikes," Burrell said.

Philadelphia has won four of its last five games in the BetUS Sportsbook heading into tonight’s matchup thanks to Burrell’s eye-opening play and will send veteran starter Adam Eaton, (0-0, 4.74 ERA), to the mound looking for a better performance tan he delivered in his last outing as he allowed four runs on just six hits in five inning as the Phillies fell to the New York Mets 5-4 on Sunday.

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