For a team that remains very much in the American League East race, just as we thought it would be, Boston has really ridden a rollercoaster this season. <\/p>\n
MLB Gambling Online \u2013 Red Sox vs. Phillies Preview & Pick<\/strong> Boston Red Sox (45-32)<\/strong> First there was the horrific start, then a massive surge up the standings, then a bizarre stretch last week in which they lost four straight to the Padres and Pirates of all teams.<\/p>\n The BoSox haven\u2019t been perfect but they\u2019re just a half-game out of first as they prepare for a potential World Series preview matchup against Philadelphia. Josh Beckett takes the hill on Tuesday, hoping to continue his stellar season. Opponents are batting just .174 off him and his homer-rate is absurdly low. Beckett has served up just four long-flies after allowing 20-plus in 2009 and 2010.<\/p>\n Backing him up more than anyone else will be Adrian Gonzalez. The slugger has become every bit the superstar we all thought he would in Beantown, leading the majors by a wide margin in batting average (.361) and RBI (71).<\/p>\n Philadelphia Phillies (49-30)<\/strong> The Philadelphia Phillies\u2019 major-league-leading pitching staff continues to carry them above the National League competition. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/p>\n Cliff Lee has four straight wins, back-to-back complete-game shutouts, 114 strikeouts and has arguably been the third best <\/em>pitcher on his own team. <\/p>\n But is the Phillies\u2019 offense becoming a concern by now? It\u2019s 18th<\/sup> in runs per game. That\u2019s a far cry from the Phils\u2019 usual lofty standard. But could Beckett actually be the matchup the bats want? Ryan Howard has six RBI and a 1.000 OPS over 13 at-bats against him. Chase Utley is 8 for 25 (.320) with a pair of homers off him.<\/p>\n MLB Trends:<\/strong><\/p>\n BOS are 3-10 in their last 13 Tue. games. The pick:<\/strong><\/p>\n A pitcher\u2019s duel wouldn\u2019t be the least bit surprising here, but I\u2019ll lean Philadelphia\u2019s way. Beckett\u2019s homer rate can\u2019t be sustainable, can it? <\/p>\n He\u2019s due to serve up some taters and the Phillies are due to hit a few. More importantly, as Lee has shown over the last few years, no matter whom he\u2019s facing, you just can\u2019t bet against him when he\u2019s on one of his super-streaks. <\/p>\n Tossing 18 scoreless innings over his last two starts would qualify as one of those streaks.<\/p>\n
\nDate: <\/strong>Tuesday, May 28, 2011
\nVenue: <\/strong>Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
\nBroadcast: <\/strong>NESN, WB17
\nBoston Red Sox at Philadelphia Phillies Betting Lines from Sportsbook.com<\/strong>
\nMoney Line: Phillies -122<\/strong>
\nOver\/Under: 7<\/strong>
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\nJosh Beckett (6-2, 1.86)<\/p>\n
\nCliff Lee (8-5, 2.87)<\/p>\n
\nOver is 12-4-2 in BOS last 18 on grass.
\nBOS are 23-9 in their last 32 road games.
\nUnder is 10-1 in PHI last 11 interleague games.
\nUnder is 8-2 in PHI last 10 on grass.
\nUnder is 8-2 in PHI last 10 overall.
\nBOS are 19-7 in the last 26 meetings.<\/p>\n