The San Francisco Giants (47-59) and Philadelphia Phillies (50-57) will close out a three-game National League series Thursday night at Citizens Bank Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET
San Francisco Giants vs. Philadelphia Phillies
San Francisco snapped a five-game losing streak by picking up a resounding 9-2 victory over Philadelphia as +107 Wednesday, while going OVER the betting total for a second consecutive contest. The Giants finished July with a dreadful 8-17 record, but the clubhouse has remained positive. “I think everybody likes our team as it is,” commented Giants pitcher Chad Gaudin. Catcher Buster Posey will likely lead the offense in this affair, as he’s 5 for 7 in his career against tonight’s opposing starter. San Francisco is 14-21 against left-handed starters this season, with the UNDER going 18-14-3 in that situation.
Giants starting pitcher Matt Cain (6-6, 4.79 ERA) didn’t earn a decision in a 3-2 home defeat to the Chicago Cubs last time out, as he allowed a single run and six hits over seven frames. The right-hander is 2-2 with a 4.27 ERA in nine road outings, surrendering 11 home runs in 59 combined frames. In nine career appearances versus the Phillies, Cain has posted a 1-4 record and 3.72 ERA, with opposing hitters batting .198 against him.
Philadelphia has lost nine of its last 10 games, as it allowed a struggling offense to score four runs or more for the first time since July 23. “Everything they hit fell,” commented Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. The Phillies haven’t finished under .500 in a season since 2002, but it sure looks like their fate is sealed in accomplishing that dismal feat this season. Philadelphia is 14-24 at home with a money line of -100 to -125 the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 12-2 in that situation in 2013.
Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (4-13, 4.09 ERA) has dropped back-to-back outings, including a 2-1 road defeat to the Detroit Tigers last time out, as he allowed two runs and six hits over seven frames. The left-hander is 2-6 with a 4.52 ERA in 10 home appearances, with opposing hitters batting .263 against him. In 11 career games versus the Giants, Hamels has tallied a 5-3 record and 4.14 ERA.
Sports bettors will likely back the Giants due to their 12-5 record in Cain’s last 17 starts as a road underdog.
Make sure to check out our Major League Baseball picks all season long and get the most up-to-date betting odds at Bookmaker
