The Florida Marlins showed they were up to the challenge of a fight for first place in the National League East with a series-opening win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday. A clash between youth and experience will highlight the finale of this three-game set when the two meet at Dolphin Stadium on Thursday night. BetOnline.com has the Philadelphia Phillies –115 odds favorites against the Florida Marlins –105 with the total runs set at 10 (–105) reduced juice. Get your Free MLB Prediction in now before the line moves.
45-year-old Jamie Moyer (6-3, 4.56) has not lost a game since May 10th, racking up four wins and a no-decision during that time. The 22-year southpaw's no-decision came in his last start, as he allowed a pair of runs on five hits over 5 1/3 innings as the Phillies won 4-3 at Atlanta in extra innings. Moyer had given up nine runs in his two previous starts, so the Atlanta game may get him back on track. Despite not having his best stuff, Moyer came away with a win in his first start against the Marlins, allowing five runs on seven runs over seven innings, including a pair of homers, as the Braves won 7-5 at home.
24-year-old Scott Olson (4-2, 3.44) is attempting to reach double figures in wins for the third consecutive season, but a string of recent no-decisions has slowed down the young lefty. Olson's no-decision in an 8-7 home win over Cincinnati was not of his doing as the Marlins committed three errors, which means none of the four runs allowed by Olson were earned. Olson went six innings, scattering four hits along with five strikeouts and a single walk, and like Moyer, he had been struggling a bit heading into his last start. Olson was 2-0 in three starts against the Phillies in 2007, despite an ERA of 6.91.
The Marlins held off the Phillies for a 5-4 win on Tuesday, but they committed two errors and lead the National League in that category. The Marlins are overcoming these mistakes now, but it is a long season and they will pay for them eventually. Expect the Phillies to jump on Olson early, and end this series on a high with a win on Thursday.
Philadelphia Phillies at Florida Marlins – 7:10 PM ET
Free MLB Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies
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