It seems like there have been a lot of extra inning games since the break doesn\u2019t it. The Giants and Phillies played 14 last night with the Giants winning and jumping slightly ahead of the Dodgers for the lead in the NL West. <\/p>\n
San Francisco Giants (56-44) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (43-57)<\/strong>
\n Wednesday July 23<\/strong>
\n Citizens Bank Park – Philadelphia, PA<\/strong>
\n 7:05PM<\/strong>
\n Probable pitchers<\/strong>
\n SF: Madison Bumgarner<\/strong>
\n PHI: A.J. Burnett<\/strong>
\n Moneyline: San Francisco -134, Philadelphia +124<\/strong>
\n Total: 7.5<\/strong>
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San Francisco<\/h3>\n
San Fran has been solid on this road trip winning 4 of 5 so far but will look to build as large a cushion as possible before hosting the Dodgers for a critical series over the weekend.<\/p>\n
With their solid pitching they have been much better on the road this season.<\/p>\n
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This season it looks like lefty Madison Bumgarner has taken over the mantle of ace of the Giants pitching staff. If the Giants are going to stay in the race they are going to need him to pitch like it down the stretch, especially against weaker teams like the Phillies.<\/p>\n
Bumgarner is no Kershaw but after him there a few lefties any better.
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\nThis is the time of year when all-stars show their worth.<\/p>\nPhiladelphia<\/h3>\n
It was just more of the same of a lost season for Philly last night. At various times they held the lead but even reliable closer Jonathan Papelbon couldn\u2019t close it out as this team waits for the shoe to drop in terms of what players will be dealt and which will stay.<\/p>\n
The latest rumours are Cole Hamels to the Red Sox but I think it is more likely one of their middle infielders gets dealt, especially Chase Utley who seems like the perfect kind of guy to help a team without upsetting any chemistry.<\/p>\n
With the Phillies struggling there is a lot talk that A.J. Burnett might be dealt, possibly to Pittsburgh where he helped lead them to the playoffs last season.<\/p>\n
He has not been nearly as sharp this season but would be a great addition to any of a handful of teams so it wouldn’t be a shock if he were held back to get a deal done.<\/p>\n
When he is on he is still capable of dominating a lineup.<\/p>\n
Both teams will be looking to push their starters in this one which shouldn\u2019t be a problem given Burnett and Bumgarner lead their teams respectively in innings pitched this season.<\/p>\n
Not a huge value opportunity but I am going to go with Bumgarner, the better of the two in a more quiet game than last night.<\/p>\n