DAVID BANKS (COMP)
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves
NL East action closes out the week with a dandy of a pitching match-up when Roy Halladay leads the Philadelphia Phillies into their series finale with Tim Hudson and the Atlanta Braves; first pitch from Turner field is scheduled for 1:35 ET Sunday afternoon.
The Phillies took advantage of an early exit by starter Brandon Beachy on Friday night to win the opener of this series in ‘Hotlanta’ and at the same time, grab a 4-3 series lead in the teams’ seven 2011 meetings to date. In doing so, the Phillies are now the most lucrative bet in the National League reeling in upwards of $800 for their betting backers on the year. They hold a three-game lead over the Florida Marlins for the top spot in the NL East, and have gone an impressive 12-5 (+$632) as a visitor to date. Philadelphia has come out victorious in six of Halladay’s L/7 road starts.
The 2011 season has been one of streaks for the Atlanta Braves; both in the win and loss departments. Currently, Manager Freddi Gonzalez’ squad is marred in a funk having dropped four of their L/6 overall; this coming on the heels of a six-game winning streak. Atlanta’s problem has by no means been because of its pitching staff as it ranks in the top 10 in all pertinent categories, including 2nd in team ERA (3.04). Where the team has faltered however has been at the plate as ATL ranks 21st with a .242 team batting average and 15th scoring just 4.22 RPG. The Braves have won Game 3 of a series each of the L/6 times.
Halladay’s a perfect 4-0 with a 1.26 ERA & 0.84 WHIP in four career starts vs. the Braves who’ve hit just .194 against him lifetime; he’s won his lone start at Turner Field. The Phillies are batting just .249 vs. Hudson overall who stands 7-7 with a 3.70 ERA & 1.31 WHIP through 19 career starts. Philly’s 18-2 in Halladay’s L/20 starts vs. divisional opposition, while the Braves counter with a 9-4 tally the L/13 times Hudson opposed a +.500 opponent. The ‘over’ is 7-3 the L/10 times these squads went at it in the Peach State.
PICK: Philly/Atlanta OVER
