MLB Betting – Braves vs Phillies Preview & Pick
I wonder if the Philadelphia Phillies spent the first few months of 2011 saying, “Hello? Atlanta? Weren’t you supposed to slug it out with us at the top of the standings? We’re waiting.”
THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR AMERICA’S PASTTIME! – CLICK HERE NOW + BET ON MLB TODAY!
MLB Gambling Online – Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview & Pick
Date: Friday, July 8, 2011
Venue: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Broadcast: SPSO, CSN
Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies Betting Lines from Bodog
Money Line:
Over/Under: OFF
CLICK here for INDEPTH MLB ATS Stats for this matchup —>
Bet now at BETONLINE —>
Talk smack about MLB Baseball Today In Our Forums –>
Atlanta Braves (52-36 through July 6)
Brandon Beachy (3-1, 3.23)
Well, the Braves were a bit late for the ball, but they’ve arrived. Through Wednesday’s action they were baseball’s hottest team, winning eight of their last nine games. Offense is still at a premium – they’ve topped five runs just once in those eight wins – but Atlanta’s pitching continues to dominate. No one has been better than Jair Jurrjens. And, just as Tommy Hanson went down, Brandon Beachy returned from injury and didn’t miss a beat.
A look at Beachy’s numbers this season shows legit ace potential. The one loss in 11 starts and 72 strikeouts in 61.1 innings suggest dominance, but the most impressive stat to me is the 15 walks. For a rookie to blow guys away but also throw so many strikes is remarkable.
That said, the Phillies are about the only team to touch up Beachy this season. He’s lasted a combined eight innings in two starts against them this season, allowing seven runs, 13 hits and two homers.
Philadelphia Phillies (55-33 through July 6)
Roy Halladay (11-3, 2.44)
We know what we get with the Philadelphia Phillies. Sure, their offense has taken a step back after losing Jayson Werth in the offseason, but their pitching is so hilariously dominant that the bats only have to be average to make Philly a first-place team. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Roy Halladay gets the ball for the Phils on Friday night. He’s solidly in contention for another Cy Young award.
Over his last two starts, Planet Earth’s best pitcher has two complete games and one walk.
MLB Trends:
ATL are 7-1 in their last 8 games following a win.
ATL are 14-3 in their last 17 games on grass.
ATL are 21-8 in their last 29 overall.
PHI are 14-5 in their last 19 games on grass.
PHI are 19-7 in their last 26 Fri. games.
PHI are 18-7 in their last 25 overall.
Free MLB pick:
As great as the Braves have looked of late, Beachy’s struggles against the Phillies are a concern, especially because, on the flip side, Halladay owns the Braves. He’s 4-1 with a 1.65 ERA for his career. Doc is also 6-1 in 10 starts at Citizens Bank Park this season.
Since the Braves’ bats haven’t caught up with their arms yet, I think Halladay will keep them in check and help Philly win a tight one.
Braves vs Phillies prediction: Phillies 4, Braves 2
