Phillies at Nationals Preview + Free Pick

[Shame About Ray]

The Philadelphia Phillies, (24-21, 18-27 RL) enter tonight’s sports betting matchup against the Washington Nationals, (19-26, 26-19 RL) having lost three consecutive games in the BetUS Sportsbook for the first time this season, including a convincing 4-0 loss to the Nationals on Monday night.

"There aren't a lot of teams that throw shutouts against that offense," Nationals starter Tim Redding said.

The Nationals, on the other hand, have won two straight games and four of their last six and will send right-hander Jason Bergmann (1-1, 7.45 ERA) to the mound looking for a repeat performance of his last outing when he shut out the New York Mets by limiting them to three hits in seven innings in Washington’s 1-0 win on Thursday.

"Today was a good day, and we are going to go forward from here," Bergmann told the team's official Web site following that victory. "I was able to throw sliders early and throw curveballs over late. I had a lot of energy today. ... I was excited to be back."

The Phillies will have an excellent chance to halt their modest losing streak by sending their staff ace, Cole Hamels, (5-3, 2.89) to the mound looking for a repeat of his last outing as he shut out the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, limiting them to four hits in Philly’s 5-0 win.

"If he's trying to improve on this," reliever J.C. Romero told the team's official Web site, "what does he want, a perfect game? This was as dominant as he could be."

Hamels is also 2-1 with a 0.65 ERA in his last four starts against the Nationals.

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

The Phillies are 6-1 in Hamels' last seven starts as a road favorite of -151 to -200.
The Phillies are 5-1 in Hamels' last six road starts vs. a team with a losing record.
The Nationals are 4-0 in Bergmann’s last four starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
The Nationals are 3-7 in Bergmann’s last ten starts as a home underdog.
The Over is 4-0 in Hamels' last four starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
The Over is 5-1 in Bergmann’s last six starts as an underdog of +110 to +150.
The Phillies are 4-1 in the last five meetings in Washington.
The Under is 4-1 in Hamels' last five road starts vs. Nationals.

Analysis: The Phillies are the easy pick for MLB bettors tonight as they will send their often-overpowering all-star starter lefty, Cole Hamels, to the mound tonight. Take Philadelphia to halt their modest losing skid behind Hamels.

MLB Free Picks: Phillies 4 Nationals 2

07:10 PM EST MLB Odds

Philadelphia Phillies
Cole Hamels - L -1½ EV

Washington Nationals
Jason Bergmann - R +1½ -120

Over 8 -115
Under 8 -105