MLB Predictions Preview …The Philadelphia Phillies, whom have dropped two games behind the New York Mets in the NL East Standings hope to keep pace with a win today against the Atlanta Braves. The Phillies will pin their hopes on Cole Hamels. The Phillies ace lefthander has a 3.11 ERA to go along with a 9-6 record this season. Lefthander Mike Hampton will take the mound for the Braves to start this game. Hampton is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA.
MLB Predictions Betting Line …Oddsmakers online at Sportsbook.com have installed the Phillies as -230 money line favorites in this one with a 9-run total. Braves backers are getting +205 money line odds.
Hamels had only two blemishes in his last start, against the Marlins on Sunday. But those two mistakes, solo home runs to Cody Ross and Jeremy Hermida, were enough to hand the lefty a no-decision. Other than that, the 24-year-old was in fine form, giving up four hits while striking out seven through eight innings before leaving with 96 pitches under his belt. Hamels had a no-hitter through three innings and retired nine straight batters at one point. His velocity, however, was down a few mph after the long layoff with the All-Star break.
Hampton will make his first Major League start in 35 months Saturday when he pitches the second game of a critical three-game set against the Phillies. Hampton is 32-20 in three injury-shortened seasons with the Braves. He hasn't pitched in a Major League game since Aug. 19, 2005.
The Braves scored seven runs in the top of the ninth inning to earn an 8-2 win over the Phillies last time out, as +130 underdogs. The game's 10 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9.5).
Brian McCann belted two home runs, including a grand slam. Jair Jurrjens tossed a three-hit shutout through eight innings for the win.
Ryan Howard went deep for a two-run dinger for the Phillies, who were favored at -140 in that contest. Kyle Kendrick gave up one run in six innings in the loss.
MLB Game Prediction …Hampton has plenty of rust to knock off since being out since 2005. The Phillies and Hamels are the best bet (-230 ml) in this one.
