The atmosphere will be electric at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia today when National League East favorites Philadelphia Phillies host rivals New York Mets for an early season three-game series. The Phillies are now 3-0 on the season after sweeping the Houston Astros in their seasons first series. New York was successful opening their season by taking two of three from the Marlins in Miami. the Phillies are installed as -320 MLB Lines favorites on the BetUS.com baseball board while Mets backers are getting +240 odds.
For today's game, the Phillies are installed as -200 favorites on the off shore money line with a posted run total of 8 1/2 runs. Mets backers are getting +170 MLB Picks odds to win the game SU. Run Line prices have the Phillies at EVEN odds (-1 1/2) while the Mets (+1 1/2) giving -130.
Left-hander Cole Hamels, who went 12-11 for the Phillies last year, makes his first appearance as starter today. For his career Hamels has 60 wins and 45 losses with a 3.53 ERA. In 2010 his ERA was a solid 3.03 in 33 starts. Hamels has struggled against the Mets in recent years going 2-8 with a 3.83 ERA in 13 starts.
Countering for the Mets is right-hander Chris Young who will be making his first start for the Mets since joining the team after spending the past five years with the San Diego Padres. Young has struggled the past two seasons with shoulder issues going 2-0 in four starts in 2010.
The Philadelphia Phillies are big favorites on off shore and Las Vegas 2011 World Series Predictions futures boards at +250 odds. New York is a World Series long shot at +5000.
I like the Phillies at home with Hamels starting. MLB BEST BET – Phillies -200.
