July 16th Lock - Phillies even money

Date: July 16th

Teams: Philadelphia Phillies at Flordia Marlins

Pitchers: Moyer vs Volstad

Bet: Phillies +100

Reasoning:

The Phillies have their full strength lineup back in place, with Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Ibanez and Werth batting 1-6

The Phils have won each of the past three Moyer starts. The Marlins are 1-2 in Volstad’s past three starts.

Volstad’s young age and pitch count average (94 per game) aren’t a good matchup in terms of going deep into a game vs the Phillies offense

At home the Marlins have the NL’s worst defense. The Phillies have the #1 overall offense in baseball, including the #1 road offense.

The Phillies are the majors best road team.

All things considered, I’ll take a Philly underdog status when I can get it.

The Marlins aren’t as good as they seem. While they are two games above .500 they are -13 in runs.

Bet: $100 on the Phillies at +100

Update: The Phillies staff, lead by Jamie Moyer, allowed only one hit in a 4-0 win. Ibanez launched two HR, and Howard hit one as well. Domination from the get go. This puts us back in positive $$$ after three picks.