Phillies Diamondbacks Betting – Lee Looks To Help Phillies Continue Strong Start In Desert

One year after falling just short of getting back to the World Series, the Philadelphia Phillies look revitalized in 2011. With a couple of key additions to their pitching staff over the past couple of summers, the Phillies’ starting rotation is as deep as any in the National League. Philadelphia will look to flex its muscle when it takes to the road against an Arizona Diamondbacks’ MLB betting team that has surprisingly ranked as one of the highest scoring clubs in the NL so far early on.

Philadelphia Phillies @ Arizona Diamondbacks

• Monday April 25, 2011 – 9:40 PM ET
• Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
• Online Sports Betting Odds: Phillies - 140

The Phillies will send Cliff Lee to the mound on Monday in the opener of a three-game set against Arizona. The 32-year old has improved with every start that he has made this year, a trend that he will look to continue against Ian Kennedy and the Diamondbacks.

MLB Betting Preview: Phillies

While many projected a two-horse race between the Phillies and Atlanta Braves in the NL East, the Florida Marlins are the team that they are trying to hold off. With one of the best batting averages in the majors, Philadelphia has been one of the most complete teams in the majors early on with Placido Polanco and Shane Victorino leading the way. Both were hitting above the .300 mark through their first 18 games, while Ryan Howard has continued to provide the power in the lineup. Lee leads all Philies’ pitchers with 27 strikeouts, and has allowed just two earned runs over his past two games to bring his ERA to 3.91.

MLB Betting Preview: Diamondbacks

Arizona has struggled with consistency early on, although their offense appears to be just fine this season. Miguel Montero, Stephen Drew, and Willie Bloomquist have all hit over .300 through their first 13 appearances, with Montero leading the way. The Diamondbacks’ biggest weakness is on the mound, where Kennedy’s pedestrian 5.64 average is actually the best on the team. Arizona will need more out of its starting staff to have any chance of finishing the year above .500, and the 26-year old will be one of the keys. Kennedy allowed just one earned run in his last appearance, a 3-1 win over the Cincinnati Red.

MLB Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

The Kentucky derby betting race is right around the corner, but catching a Phillies’ game these days means getting a glimpse at some of the finest Thoroughbreds that take the mound. Philadelphia will have Lee on the mound and as long as they can break Kennedy open for three or four runs early on they should no problem cruising to the road victory to open the three-game set. Pitching will make the difference, but Philadelphia’s offense could very well have a huge game in terms of production with an eye on Polanco.