Philadelphia has gone 5-3 over their last eight games, capped off by Sunday’s 4-3 victory as 138 home favorites against the Giants. Charlie Manuel’s club continues its stay at Citizens Bank Park with Monday’s visit from Milwaukee, who have seen the UNDER cash at 6-0-1 in their last seven contests.
Phillies right-hander Roy Halladay (4-5, 3.96) is slated to face Brewers southpaw Randy Wolf (3-6, 5.60 ERA).
MLB odds makers opened Halladay as a -200 favorite, while first listing the ‘total’ at 7 ½.
Halladay returns with no-decisionHalladay picked up a no-decision in Tuesday’s 3-2 triumph for Philadelphia as a 163 road favorite against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The eight-time All-Star made his first start since May after nursing a shoulder injury, allowing two runs over five innings.
Phillies outfielder Hunter Pence gave his squad its late lead, driving in mates Chase Utley and John Mayberry with an eighth-inning single. Pence finished 2-for-3, while shortstop Jimmy Rollins poked a double in a 1-for-4 night from the leadoff spot.
The battle’s combined five runs dipped below the ‘total’ of 7 ½, ending a 3-0 OVER streak in Halladay’s prior trio of starts. Phillies reliever Kyle Kendrick notched his staff’s win, tossing a scoreless 1 2/3 innings, while closer Jonathan Papelbon gave up no hits in the final frame for his 21st save.
Wolf ends skid with tight winWolf notched his first winning decision in 13 starts with Tuesday’s 3-2 victory for Milwaukee as a 106 home dog against the St. Louis Cardinals. The 14-year veteran allowed both of St. Louis’ runs, giving up eight hits over 6 2/3 innings.
Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks cracked a solo-shot homer, while mate Aramis Ramirez drove in one run as part of a 2-for-4 night. Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun went 0-for-3, striking out twice en route to leaving three men on base.
The contest’s five runs plunged below the ‘total’ of 9 ½, ending an OVER run of 5-0 in Wolf’s previous five outings. Brewers reliever Francisco Rodriguez allowed two hits in the ninth frame, holding on for his second save of the year.
Back the OVER in PhillyMonday’s first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. (ET). The weather forecast in Philadelphia calls for a 45-percent chance of thunderstorms, with calm winds blowing outward in an 85-degree night.
I am adding the OVER in this contest to my evening’s card of MLB picks, looking for the series to start off with some octane.
Halladay’s first start back from the disabled list was a fairly respectable one, but he could have a tougher time with some of Milwaukee’s bats. The 35-year-old was shelled by the Brewers last April in Philly, lit up for six runs on 10 hits (6 2/3 IP).
Milwaukee’s Corey Hart and Ryan Braun have combined to hit 7-for-17 against Halladay, including three homers. The OVER has cashed at 12-4 in the Brewers’ last 16 spots against starters coming in with less than a 1.15 WHIP.
Wolf has had his inconsistency on the road, with a sizable 1.78 WHIP and .389 OBP. The former Phillies hurler faces his share of familiar bats here, including Philadelphia’s Carlos Lee going 6-for-12 lifetime against him with a homer and three doubles.
Philadelphia has seen the OVER cash at 9-4 in its last 13 home dates when facing a left-handed starter, while the same wager has collected at 4-1 in Milwaukee’s last five battles against National League East foes. Look for both sides to get some early runs on the board here, giving OVER backers the money.