Reds Phillies Betting – Phillies, Reds Wrap Up Series With Matinee Game Thursday
The 2010 division winners from the National League West and Central are at it again in 2011, with the Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds both challenging for the top spot in their respective divisions as we pass the quarter mark of the online sports betting season. The Phillies have been the NL powerhouse in what could be the deepest division in baseball so far this year, while the Reds are fighting to catch the St. Louis Cardinals as they wrap up this three-game set.
- Cincinnati Reds @ Philadelphia Phillies
- Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Thursday May 26, 2011 – 1:05 PM ET
- MLB Betting Line: Philadelphia Phillies – 120
A five-game losing streak that included a three-game sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Indians in the battle of Ohio has left Cincinnati reeling, and if they are going to have any chance to rebound it will take a more consistent effort from their pitching. Homer Bailey will the mound for the Reds in the series finale, and will need to continue to perform at an elite level.
MLB Betting Preview: Cincinnati Reds
Bailey allowed just one run in a 2-1 loss to the Indians, his first defeat of the season. The 25-year old has now allowed more than three earned runs in any of his starts, going at least six inning in each of them to provide the Reds with the consistency they need. With the rest of the staff struggling, Cincinnati will need Bailey to bring his best stuff in an effort to slow down an offense that has been good, but not great this season. Reigning NL MVP Joey Votto has been a force again this year, but beyond him the Reds are still looking for more people of step up.
MLB Betting Preview: Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies have the best home record in the NL for a reason, and their outstanding pitching is the biggest reason for that. Philadelphia has registered more quality starts than any other team in the league, and the team’s combined ERA of 3.01 ranks second. That includes the play of Cliff Lee, who has put together a couple of phenomenal starts while at the same time showing a little bit of inconsistency. Given Lee’s track record in the postseason the Phillies aren’t worried much about that, but it’s hard to project what kind of performance he will bring and the offense may not be good enough to bail him out if he struggles.
Who To Bet On?
While the Reds have struggled, they remain one of the more talented teams in the league and there is every reason to believe that they will be able to bounce back after a tough run. Lee has been inconsistent so far this season and shown signs of vulnerability, and Cincinnati should be able to capitalize and wrap up the sports betting bonus series against the best team in the NL.
MLB Betting Pick: Cincinnati Reds
