Phillies, Cards clash in rubber match
Jeremy Hellickson sapped St. Louis of its usual power in last night’s 4-2 win for the Phillies. Is one of Pete Mackanin’s youngest guns capable of doing the same today?
Vince Velasquez will try to break out of a recent funk this afternoon, with a 1:35 p.m ET first pitch at Citizens Bank Park. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI back the Cardinals, while the host squad represents a +106 underdog. The over/under run total rests at 8.5.
The middle match of the series saw the Redbirds fail to extend a striking streak. They had smashed two or more homers in nine consecutive games, but only Jeremy Hazelbaker managed to go yard off Hellickson. The veteran righty worked seven innings, surrendering seven hits and fanning 10.
Earlier in the season, Velasquez posted such performances with regularity. Yet the past few weeks have produced many struggles. The 25-year-old holds a 0-2 record with a plus-7.00 ERA since July 24. Most recently, Velasquez gave up five runs and seven base knocks to the NL West-leading Dodgers.
MLB Quick Links: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats
Still, it’s not as if Mike Leake is faring significantly better right now. The sinkerballer remains winless in August, having failed to venture beyond the sixth in three straight outings. St. Louis’ motivation to keep going after that second wild-card spot in the National League, though, should make the ultimate difference in the rubber contest.
SUNDAY MLB FREE PICK: CARDINALS/PHILLIES UNDER 8.5 RUNS