Phils Look To Move Closer To Winning NL East Title vs. Nats
The Philadelphia Phillies (89-70, 72-86 RL, 71-81-6 O/U), are so close to winning their second consecutive NL East title in dramatic comeback fashion, they can almost literally smell it.
With a one-game lead over the Washington Nationals (59-99, 82-76 RL, 76-76-6 O/U).
Still, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel knows that the team has to compete its task on the field and not in newspapers.
"Our players know what's at stake and what we have to do to get there," Manuel told the team's official Web site. "We definitely have the talent. If we don't get there, it's our fault."
Philadelphia has dropped two straight to the Atlanta Braves coming into tonight’s contest, including a disheartening 10-4 loss on Wednesday but had a day off on Thursday to regroup.
The Phillies will hand the ball to right-handed veteran Joe Blanton, (8-12, 4.79 ERA), who has won three consecutive decisions.
Blanton limited the Florida Marlins to two runs on four hits while striking out a season-high nine batters in five innings in Philadelphia’s 3-2 win on Saturday.
Washington will counter with rookie right-hander Collin Balester (3-6, 4.83 ERA), who has gone 0-2 against the Phillies in two career starts by has posted a respectable 3.75 ERA during the span while failing to get a single run of support in either start.
Balester was pounded in his last start, giving up five runs on nine hits in five innings of an 11-6 loss to the Padres on Friday.The Phillies are 9-6 against the Nationals this season.
Here is a look at tonight’s key online sports wagering trends followed by my analysis and MLB online betting Free Picks:
The Nationals are 4-0 in Balester’s last 4 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
The Nationals are 4-9 in Balester’s last 13 starts.
The Phillies are 5-1 in Blanton’s last six starts vs. National League East.
The Phillies are 4-1 in Blanton’s last five starts with five days of rest.
The Over is 4-1-1 in Blanton’s last six starts vs. National League East.
The Under is 6-2-1 in the last nine meetings in Philadelphia.
The Nationals are 3-8 in the last eleven meetings.
Washington Nationals +1½ +110
Collin Balester –R +220
Philadelphia Phillies -1½ -150
Joe Blanton –R -260
Over 9½ -110
Under 9½ -110
Analysis: BetUS Sportsbook bettors have an easy pick on their hands with this matchup as the Phillies are going to bash Collin Balester’s brains in likely by the time the fourth or fifth inning rolls around, while getting a quality start from veteran Joe Blanton. Take the Phils to cruise to victory tonight MLB wagering enthusiasts.
MLB Free Picks: Phillies 7 Nationals 3
