The betting odds have the Phillies again favored tonight as they host the Colorado Rockies. Last night Oswalt’s return was ruined by poor hitting again from the Phillies. They have to fix this and I believe they will.

Current Record: 26-10 +16.03 units

MLB free pick on the Philadelphia Phillies as they take on the Colorado Rockies set to start at 7:05 PM ET.

The Philadelphia Phillies have lost four straight games all attributed to lack of hitting and scoring runs. With the loss on Monday the Phillies became the last team in the majors to have a three game losing streak. Great starting pitching and a surprisingly strong bullpen is the dominant reason they are not a .500 team right now.

Weather could be a major factor for this game tonight. Heavy showers and thunderstorms will be rolling through in the late afternoon and there is a consistent 60% chance of rain for the entire evening. The Phillies have the better bullpen and any rain delays would give them the upper hand. Given that it is Colorado, MLB officials will do all they can to get this game in tonight. 

The Phillies rank 16th in team batting, hitting .250 and have batted a horrifying .186 over their past seven games. No wonder they are just 2-5 over those last seven games. The good news is that they have pounded left handed pitching this season sporting a 9-2 record making 6.0 units for every one of your baseball betting units . Moreover, they are batting a solid .271 and scoring 4.6 runs per game in 20 home games this season. So, with Cole Hamels going tonight I strongly believe the Phillies offense will come to life for the next several games. 

Phillies Bullpen 

The Phillies bullpen sports a 2.91 ERA and a 1.386 in 41 games spanning 105 1/3 innings of work. They have achieved these strong results without their closer Brad Lidge and setup man Jose Contreras. The current bullpen has converted 12 of 13 save opportunities this season for 92.3% save percentage. 

Rockies Bullpen 

The Colorado Rockies bullpen is not nearly as strong, posting a 3.77 ERA in allowing 10 home runs in 19 road games spanning 57 1/3 innings of work. Philadelphia ranks third in least bullpen innings worked with 105 1/3 while Colorado ranks 20th having worked 125 1/3 innings in relief efforts. Despite the fact that the Phillies bullpen was used in last night’s 2-1 loss to the Cardinals they are far more rested and stronger than the overworked Rockies bullpen. 

My proprietary sports handicapping database and simulator show a high probability that the Phillies will win this game.

Supporting this graded play is a system that has produced a record of 38-16 making 22.9 units per one unit wagered for 70.4% winners since 2005. Play on any NL team that is allowing 3.8 or less runs per game on the season and after a combined score of four runs or less in two straight games. This system underscores my belief that the Phillis offense will ignite and score far more runs than their ‘fourth ace’ starter Cole Hamels will need.

Take the Phillies