MLB Picks: The Phillies and Marlins hit the diamond tonight for game two of their three game set at Land Shark Stadium. Philadelphia won 4-0 last night as 46 year old Jamie Moyer gave up just one hit and no earned runs over seven innings. The Phils are favored in this evening's contest, drawing -128 moneyline odds in Sportsbook.com's MLB Picks: Phillies vs Marlins MLB Betting Odds – July 17, 2009.
The Phillies increased their National League East lead to five games yesterday, shutting out the Marlins 4-0 in their home park. Moyer's outstanding effort was complimented by two bombs from outfielder Raul Ibanez as well as Ryan Howard's 200th career home run. Howard went deep off the Marlins' Chris Volstad in the 6th inning, making him the fastest ever to reach the presitigious milestone.
The Phillies are now 49-38 on the season after winning their sixth straight game. Charlie Manuel's squad reached the All-Star break in smouldering fashion having won nine of their last 10 before the festivities in St. Louis.
Philadelphia will send struggling ace Cole Hamels to the hill tonight. Hamels is 5-5 in 17 starts this year with a 4.87 ERA as opponents are hitting .298 against him. The 25 year old has had just three quality starts in his last seven outings and the Phillies are 3-4 in that span. The Pirates knocked Hamels around for seven hits and five earned runs in his last start on July 11th, but Philly escaped with an 8-7 victory at Citizens Bank Park.
The Marlins fell to 46-45 with last night's loss and now sit five games back of the Phillies and just a game ahead of the third place Braves. Florida had closed to within two games of Philadelphia not that long ago. The Fish, however, went 3-4 on a seven game road swing before the break which allowed the defending champions to add a little distance between the two rivals.
The Marlins will counter Hamels with 26 year old Ricky Nolasco. Like Hamels, Nolasco has had his struggles this season, even earning a demontion to the minors at one point. However, since his recall on June 7th the California native has been outstanding. He did slip in his last outing, losing 8-0 at Arizona after giving up nine hits and seven earned runs, but prior to that he had six straight quality starts. In the six games leading up to the Arizona loss, Nolasco had given up just five earned runs in 41 innings (1.09 ERA).
Sportsbook.com MLB Picks: Phillies vs Marlins MLB Betting Odds – July 17, 2009
Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 (+125), Over 9 (+105), -128 (Moneyline)
Florida Marlins +1.5 (-145), Under 9 (-125), +118 (Moneyline)
Get a 100% Deposit Bonus at Sportsbook.com, simply use promo code WIN100 and start winning today!
