Last Updated on August 17, 2016 3:25 pm by Brad Burns
Dodgers try to bulldoze Phillies again
Chase Utley enjoyed a very successful return to Philadelphia last night. Of course, he was but one of many Dodgers to terrorize the home team’s hurlers.
The veteran second baseman, who spent 12-plus seasons with the Phillies, smacked two of Los Angeles’ four homers in its 15-5 triumph. Dave Roberts’ club will try to stay hot this evening, with a 7:05 p.m. ET first pitch at Citizens Bank Park. Online sports book BetDSI endorses the visiting crew as a 1.5-run favorite. Meanwhile, the Phils are considered +151 underdogs.
Tallying five of the Dodgers’ RBIs in the series opener, Utley made his homecoming of sorts a memorable one. He’ll attempt to inflict more damage against Jake Thompson (1-1, 8.68 ERA) shortly. The rookie righty earned his first MLB victory on Aug. 12, yielding three runs over five innings.
Roberts responds by sending Scott Kazmir (9-6, 4.44) to the hill. The lefty held Philadelphia to two runs in six frames a few days ago, but minimal run support saddled him with the loss. Kazmir is 1-2 with a 5.91 ERA in four career meetings with the Phillies.
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Given Los Angeles’ scorching play of late, we can’t imagine a letdown here. Rather, expect the National League West heavyweight to improve to 29-28 on the road. If that comes to fruition, Kazmir likely becomes a 10-game winner for the eighth time in his career.
WEDNESDAY MLB FREE PICK: DODGERS -1.5