MLB Baseball
2012-05-21 - Washington Nationals at Philadelphia Phillie
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Baseball : North America : MLB
Monday, May 21st, 2012, 7:05PM US
(12:05AM GMT)
PREVIEW
The Washington Nationals are 24-17 and 9-9 on the road and come to Philadelphia to play the Phillies, who are 21-21 with a losing 10-11 home record. The Phillies are off 2 straight losses here at home against Boston in interleague action. We have a pitching mismatch, and it's the visitors who are deserving favourites.
Washington broke out offensively with a 9-3 hammering of Baltimore yesterday. Today they send Gio Gonzalez to the hill. The leftie is 5-1 with a 2.22ERA and is now on a 3 game winning streak. The first of those wins was against this very Phillies outfit, as Gonzalez allowed just 1 run in 7 innings of work. The Nats won that one 7-1.
The Phillies go with Kyle Kendrick, who is still winless with a 0-3 mark and a 5.96ERA. his last start saw him get a no decision as he allowed 2 runs in 6 innings and he was decent against Washington this season too, allowing just 1 run in 5 innings, again without a win. So why don't I back him? Because his teams offence stinks. The Phillies are averaging just 2.5 runs through their last 11 games, going 3-8!
Washington have the better pitcher, with Gonzalez's 8 starts resulting in a 5-1 record for him, but a 7-1 record for his team thanks to his great work. While the Phillies are giving up, on average, 4.05 at home, the Nationals are giving up just 2.94 on the road, which is very, very good.
BETTING VERDICT
I've got to take the Washington Nationals to win today as they are the better team in better form on both sides, and with the better pitcher. You may want to risk the handicap bet at a good price but I'll play conservative tonight.
The Pick :
Washington Nationals
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take the Washington Nationals to win @ 1.79 (Pinnacle)
