The Cubs have picked up the first two games of the series and are after more, but the road team has other ideas.
Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs
Philadelphia has dropped the first two games of this four-game series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, but will now turn to its pair of aces over the weekend. “We need to win tomorrow,” manager Charlie Manuel said. “We’ll work on Sunday when we get there.” The Phillies are now a game under .500 in July (6-7, -280), after going 20-7 during the month last season. The club is still 17-10 against NL Central teams this season, which is similar to its 23-16 mark against the division in 2009. First baseman Ryan Howard has produced three home runs and six RBIs in the first two games of this series and 20 homers on the season. Don’t expect such a low-scoring game on Saturday, with the team having a 17-11 O/U mark in daytime games.
New York started its season-high 11-game road trip by getting shutout in a 2-0 loss to the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. The Mets have lost four of their last five games and have managed to score just three runs in the four losses. Despite failing to score a run, the lineup received a boost with the return of outfielder Carlos Beltran, playing his first game since May 20, 2009. “After being out for so long and going through a very long process, I was happy,” Beltran said. He went 1-for-4 last night and hit .367 with five RBI in 14 rehabilitation games. New York still holds a 14-8 series edge against the Giants over the last three years and have won the last four series in the Bay Area since 2006. The club has compiled a 14-10 record against left-handed starters this season (+420), with the total being 10-12-2 O/U in those games.
Philadelphia dropped a 12-6 decision to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Thursday night, which was the first game of an eight-game, eight day road trip. Overall this season, the Phillies are 22-24 away from Citizens Bank Park (-520). The club is now an even 6-6 for the month, after going a dominating 20-7 in July in 2009. The Phillies are a disappointing 12-17 in day games this season (-1,310), which is far from the team’s 70-59 mark over the last three seasons. The total in day games for the team stands at 17-11 O/U on the year.
The 2010 Miami Heat roster looks a lot better than just a week ago and the NBA betting odds and season win totals have been adjusted. The Big three signed their contracts, with Dwyane Wade surprisingly getting the least money. Udonis Haslem decided to take less money than other teams were offering and stay in South Beach.
The first place Braves may stumble in their first game back from the All-Star break.
With half the season in the books and the NL finally overcoming a 13-year old All-Star game drought, it is time to look at the updated baseball odds to win the World Series. In the “year of the pitcher” we have seen many teams getting it done with strong pitching.
