The Atlanta Braves (49-36) and Philadelphia Phillies (41-45) will open up a three-game National League East series Friday night at Citizens Bank Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET
Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Atlanta has dropped back-to-back games, including a 4-3 setback to the Miami Marlins as -240 home favorites Thursday, while going UNDER the betting total of 7.5. The Braves are still six games ahead of the Washington Nationals in the division standings, while they enter this season with a plus-72 run differential for the season. Atlanta is 14-9 versus left-handed starters, with the UNDER going 12-11 in that situation.
Braves starting pitcher Tim Hudson (4-7, 4.22 ERA) has watched the club alternate wins and losses over his last four efforts, as he didn’t earn a decision in a 11-5 home victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks last time out. The right-hander is 1-7 with a 5.71 ERA in nine road outings, surrendering seven home runs in 52 combined frames. In 28 career games versus the Phillies, Hudson has compiled a 10-9 record and 3.81 ERA, including a 3-3 mark and 3.83 ERA in nine appearances at this ballpark.
Philadelphia has alternated wins and losses over its last four games, as it picked up a 6-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates as +118 road underdogs Thursday, while going OVER the total for a second consecutive contest. “We had a .500 road trip, but we were in a lot of these games,” commented Phillies outfielder Delmon Young. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins is just 18-for-81 (.222) in 86 lifetime plate appearances against Hudson. Philadelphia is 3-6 at home with a total of 7 or less in the market.
Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee (9-2, 2.59 ERA) has watched the club drop his last two outings, as he didn’t earn a decision in a 4-3 road defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers last time out. The left-hander is 3-1 with a 3.53 ERA in six home games, issuing six walks and striking out 45 batters in 43.1 combined innings. In 11 career games versus the Braves, Lee has tallied a 5-4 record and 2.74 ERA.
Sports bettors will likely back the Phillies due to their 6-1 record in their last seven games as a home favorite.
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