I wonder if the Philadelphia Phillies spent the first few months of 2011 saying, \u201cHello? Atlanta? Weren\u2019t you supposed to slug it out with us at the top of the standings? We\u2019re waiting.\u201d <\/p>\n
MLB Gambling Online \u2013 Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview & Pick<\/strong> Atlanta Braves (52-36 through July 6)<\/strong> Well, the Braves were a bit late for the ball, but they\u2019ve arrived. Through Wednesday\u2019s action they were baseball\u2019s hottest team, winning eight of their last nine games. Offense is still at a premium \u2013 they\u2019ve topped five runs just once in those eight wins \u2013 but Atlanta\u2019s pitching continues to dominate. No one has been better than Jair Jurrjens. And, just as Tommy Hanson went down, Brandon Beachy returned from injury and didn\u2019t miss a beat.<\/p>\n A look at Beachy\u2019s numbers this season shows legit ace potential. The one loss in 11 starts and 72 strikeouts in 61.1 innings suggest dominance, but the most impressive stat to me is the 15 walks. For a rookie to blow guys away but also throw so many strikes is remarkable.<\/p>\n That said, the Phillies are about the only team to touch up Beachy this season. He\u2019s lasted a combined eight innings in two starts against them this season, allowing seven runs, 13 hits and two homers.<\/p>\n Philadelphia Phillies (55-33 through July 6)<\/strong> We know what we get with the Philadelphia Phillies. Sure, their offense has taken a step back after losing Jayson Werth in the offseason, but their pitching is so hilariously dominant that the bats only have to be average to make Philly a first-place team. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/p>\n Roy Halladay gets the ball for the Phils on Friday night. He\u2019s solidly in contention for another Cy Young award. <\/p>\n Over his last two starts, Planet Earth\u2019s best pitcher has two complete games and one walk.<\/p>\n ATL are 7-1 in their last 8 games following a win. As great as the Braves have looked of late, Beachy\u2019s struggles against the Phillies are a concern, especially because, on the flip side, Halladay owns the Braves. He\u2019s 4-1 with a 1.65 ERA for his career. Doc is also 6-1 in 10 starts at Citizens Bank Park this season. <\/p>\n Since the Braves\u2019 bats haven\u2019t caught up with their arms yet, I think Halladay will keep them in check and help Philly win a tight one.<\/p>\n
\nDate: <\/strong>Friday, July 8, 2011
\nVenue: <\/strong>Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
\nBroadcast: <\/strong>SPSO, CSN
\nAtlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies Betting Lines from Bodog<\/strong>
\nMoney Line: <\/strong>
\nOver\/Under: <\/strong>OFF
\n CLICK here for INDEPTH MLB ATS Stats for this matchup —><\/strong><\/a>
\n Bet now at BETONLINE —><\/strong><\/a>
\nTalk smack about MLB Baseball Today In Our Forums –><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nBrandon Beachy (3-1, 3.23)<\/p>\n
\nRoy Halladay (11-3, 2.44)<\/p>\nMLB Trends:<\/h3>\n
\nATL are 14-3 in their last 17 games on grass.
\nATL are 21-8 in their last 29 overall.
\nPHI are 14-5 in their last 19 games on grass.
\nPHI are 19-7 in their last 26 Fri. games.
\nPHI are 18-7 in their last 25 overall.<\/p>\nFree MLB pick: <\/h3>\n