MLB World Series Wagering – Tampa Bay at Philadelphia Game 4
Series: 2-1 Phillies
This Game 4 matchup is a contest that the Philadelphia Phillies would love to win if they are to have any chance at beating the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2008 MLB World Series!
The fact of the matter is that the Phillies clearly don’t have the starting pitching to match up with a Rays team that genuinely looks like they could – not only go from worst to first – but could maintain their newfound level of excellence for years to come!
The Rays will give the ball to right-hander Andy Sonnanstine, (13-9, 4.38 ERA), who has allowed 10 earned runs over his last three starts, including allowing four runs – three earned – on six hits in 7.1 innings of Tampa Bay’s 13-4 win over the Boston Red Sox in his last start.
The Phillies will counter with right-hander Joe Blanton, (9-12, 4.69 ERA), who has won two of his last three starts, allowing just five earned runs during the span. Blanton did give up three earned runs on seven hits in five innings in his last start, picking up a no-decision against the L.A. Dodgers, in the process.
Here is a look at the key trends in this contest, followed by my in-depth analysis and MLB Betting Free Picks:
The Rays are 5-0 in Sonnanstine’s last 5 interleague starts.
The Rays are 4-1 in Sonnanstine’s last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
The Phillies are 6-0 in Blanton’s last 6 starts.
The Phillies are 6-0 in Blanton’s last 6 starts on grass.
The Under is 4-1 in Sonnanstine’s last 5 Sunday starts.
The Under is 4-1 in Sonnanstine’s last 5 starts during game 4 of a series.
The Over is 5-2 in Blanton’s last 7 starts overall.
The Over is 5-2 in Blanton’s last 7 starts on grass.
Analysis: If you ask me, this pick is as simple as pie no matter what anyone else says! The Phillies will win this game behind a stellar effort from Joe Blanton who has impressed me with his ability to go right after hitters without messing around!
Blanton and Sonnanstine aren’t far apart in the level of their respective talent – and the Phillies big-boppers are going to pound every mistake that Sonnanstine makes in this contest, though Tampa will likely do the same to Blanton.
Still, playing at home, in front of their frenzied fans, the downright desperate Phillies will win this contest with room to spare.
