Phils hope to survive vs. Bumgarner, Giants
The Giants have been thoroughly impressive at AT&T Park this season. Tonight’s starter, though, seems capable of flirting with perfection every time he competes in the Bay area.
At 10:05 p.m. ET, Madison Bumgarner aims to make Philadelphia his latest victim. Oddsmakers at online sports book Bovada.lv have installed San Francisco as a 1.5-run favorite in this instance. The Phillies, on the other hand, enter as +245 underdogs.
Arguably the second-most coveted southpaw in baseball, Bumgarner carries a 4-1 record with a 1.79 ERA at home. The Giants have captured 11 of his 15 assignments overall, with the 2014 World Series MVP ranking among the National League leaders in virtually every pitching category of consequence. He’s faced the Phils seven times in the past, going 4-2 with a 1.04 WHIP.
Pete Mackanin responds by sending veteran Jeremy Hellickson to the bump. The 29-year-old righty has dropped five consecutive decisions, even though he’s posted four quality starts over that span. Philly’s lifeless offense continues to conspire against its Opening Day hurler, though.
MLB Quick Links: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats
That’s unlikely to change vs. the Giants, the hosts with the second-most victories in the National League. While Bumgarner probably won’t be able to leapfrog Clayton Kershaw for the Midsummer Classic start, the North Carolina native can certainly strengthen his case with another dominant performance shortly. Don’t discount the possibility of a complete-game gem.
SATURDAY MLB FREE PICK: GIANTS -1.5
Want More Picks, Predictions & Odds From The Spread.com? Follow on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!