It\u2019s cool to see a Battle of Pennsylvania game matter besides Penguins\/Flyers or Steelers\/Eagles for a change, isn\u2019t it? <\/p>\n
MLB Betting \u2013 Pirates vs Phillies Preview & Pick<\/strong> Pittsburgh Pirates (53-49 through July 27)<\/strong> The resurgent Pittsburgh Pirates had lost five of seven \u2013 and their National League Central division lead \u2013 through Wednesday night. A series win at Philadelphia is a tall order but would be a massive boost for the Bucs\u2019 confidence.<\/p>\n Pittsburgh\u2019s pitching staff isn\u2019t the least bit overpowering but it\u2019s gotten some surprisingly useful efforts from its plucky rotation. Charlie Morton has been a key contributor. Some of his peripherals \u2013 namely, his 1.50 WHIP and .280 opponents\u2019 average \u2013 suggest he\u2019s been pretty lucky this year. But Morton has done a phenomenal job avoiding the long ball, serving up just four taters in 107.1 innings. He beat the Phillies at home on June 4, pitching seven innings of two-run baseball. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/p>\n Philadelphia Phillies (65-38 through July 27)<\/strong> Thanks to their amazing pitching staff, the Philadelphia Phillies are still cruisin\u2019 atop the National League East. It\u2019s no big surprise. They send an ace to the hill almost every night.<\/p>\n The leader among that group is, of course, Roy Halladay. It\u2019s a testament to his skill that his 3.21 ERA in July almost qualifies as a \u201cslump.\u201d One thing about Halladay: the one or two teams that succeed against him do so regularly and the rest almost never succeed against him. The Pirates are in the latter group. Doc has a 1.45 ERA over four career starts against them.<\/p>\n Under is 11-4 in PIT last 15 Fri. games. Even though Morton has been helpful this season, he may pitch well at Philly on Friday and still lose. Doc is 19-6 with a 2.27 ERA at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies offense is also showing signs of life, having driven home seven or more runs four times in its last 10 games.<\/p>\n I wouldn\u2019t necessarily expect a high-scoring game, but I like the Phillies to prevail.<\/p>\n
\nDate: <\/strong>Friday, July 29, 2011
\nVenue: <\/strong>Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
\nBroadcast: <\/strong>ROOT, CSN
\nPittsburgh Pirates at Philadelphia Phillies Betting Lines from Bodog.eu<\/strong>
\nMoney Line: Phillies -270<\/strong>
\nOver\/Under: 7<\/strong>
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\nCharlie Morton (8-5, 3.69)<\/p>\n
\nRoy Halladay (12-4, 2.55)<\/p>\nMLB Trends<\/h3>\n
\nPIT are 53-124 in their last 177 road games.
\nPIT are 6-20 in Mortons last 26 road starts.
\nPHI are 51-22 in their last 73 home games.
\nUnder is 11-5-1 in PHI last 17 home games.
\nPHI are 35-16 in their last 51 Fri. games.
\nPIT are 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.<\/p>\nMLB Free pick: <\/h3>\n