in MLB Free Picks

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 New York Mets 5-4 on Sunday.

The St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday.

Burrell could have another big night as Pittsburgh left-handed starter Zach Duke (0-1, 4.37 ERA), is coming off his worst start of the season as he allowed five runs on eight hits in four innings as the Pirates fell to the Chicago Cubs 13-6 on Sunday.

While Burrell has a club-record 24 RBIs in April, fellow slugger and 2006 MVP Ryan Howard is in the midst of some massive struggles, batting a dismal .181 with four home runs in the first 22 games and is likely to take a game off tonight.

Pirates right fielder Xavier Nady has a 12-game hitting streak going and is batting .370 (17-for-46) during the span.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Picks.

The Phillies are 4-1 in Eaton’s last 5 starts during game 1 of a series.

The Phillies are 4-1 in Eaton’s last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.

The Pirates are 10-4 in Duke’s last 14 home starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.

The Pirates are 9-4 in Duke’s last 13 starts as a home underdog.

The Under is 5-0 in Eaton’s last 5 starts overall.

The Under is 5-0 in Eaton’s last 5 starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.

The Over is 5-1 in Duke’s last 6 starts with 4 days of rest.

The Over is 4-1 in Duke’s last 5 home starts.

Analysis: While I am fully aware of just how mediocre Phillies starter Adam Eaton is, I am going with the Phillies and their red-hot hitters, Utley and Burrell, to get the job done against an equally mediocre Zach Duke.

MLB Free Picks: Phillies 6 Pirates 4

07:05 PM EST MLB Odds

Philadelphia Phillies

Adam Eaton - R -1½ +125

Pittsburgh Pirates

Zach Duke - L +1½ -145

Over 9½ -115

Under 9½ -105

National League

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