Categories
MLB

Boston Red Sox vs. Philadelphia Phillies MLB Preview & Free Pick

2012 Interleague Boston vs Philadelphia Betting Preview

Interleague play gets underway Friday night for the first time this season.

Red Sox vs. Phillies Interleague Pick
Starting Pitchers: Boston (Bard) vs. Philadelphia (Hamels)
Date/Time: May 18, 7:05 p.m. EST on MLB Network
MLB Gambling Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Philadelphia (-141) Boston (+131)
Runline: Phillies -1.5 (+155) Red Sox +1.5 (-175)
Total: 7

Matchup | Preview

Boston and Philadelphia both had high hopes going into the season, but both teams have disappointed thus far in 2012. The good news for both teams is that there is plenty of baseball to be played.

These two franchises, with some of the most passionate fans in Major League Baseball, will kick off a three-game series Friday evening on MLB Network.

Daniel Bard was dominating as a relief pitcher for the Red Sox, but injuries forced the team to move him into the rotation this year. Bard has struggled so far in 2012. He has a 4.30 ERA and a WHIP of 1.54. The Red Sox offense is missing Ellsbury, Crawford, and Youkilis.

Still, they have been piling up the runs this year. David Ortiz is batting .345 on the season, and he has a stellar on-base-percentage of .412. Will Middlebrooks has burst onto the scene over the last few weeks, and he looks like the team’s third basemen of the future. Mike Aviles and Ryan Sweeney have made major contributions offensively. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

Philadelphia sits in last place in the National League East heading into this game.

The Phillies haven’t been that bad, but the rest of the division has been tremendous. The offense has been the problem for the Phillies this season. The Phillies are seventh in the majors in batting average, but they are averaging just 3.97 runs per game. The team has struggled to come up with hits in key spots.

Carlos Ruiz has been hitting the cover off the ball this season. Ruiz has a .343 average and 7 home runs in 2012. Shane Victorino, Hunter Pence, and Jimmy Rollins have all struggled this season. The Phillies lead the majors with 29 quality starts in 2012.

Cole Hamels is 5-1 with a 2.28 ERA this year, and he’ll be on the mound in this one.

The Phillies are 6-0 in Hamels’ last 6 starts. The Red Sox are 20-8 in their last 28 meetings against the Phillies. Boston hits lefties well and this price is too enticing to pass up.

MLB Free Pick: Red Sox ML

**CLICK HERE TO GRAB OUR BEST Picks Packages for 2012 MLB Betting!**

By Kyle Hunter

Kyle Hunter sports picks – A degree in finance and a great ability to follow important trends and statistics set him apart from the rest. Totals are Kyle's specialty, so look for a lot of totals picks from NBA, NCAAF, & the NFL. Check out his plays today.