Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Wednesday afternoon, the Seattle Mariners will give the ball to James Paxton (3 -0, 2.20 ERA) as they take on the Philadelphia Phillies and Cole Hamels (6 – 6, 2.44 ERA).  Paxton makes his 6th start as Hamels makes his 23rd.

James Paxton notched another victory in his last outing to remain undefeated.  He held the opposition to a run on 5 hits in 6 innings of work as he walked a batter and struck out 2.  Paxton allowed just a single run for the second straight start.  Paxton missed the beginning of the season with a strained lat muscle but he appears to be making up for lost time.  Last season, Paxton started just 4 games but he went 3 – 0 with a 1.50 ERA. 

Paxton has never faced the Phillies before but if he shows Philadelphia some of the stuff he has shown his last 5 opponents, he just might remain undefeated.

Cole Hamels pitched to his 2nd straight no decision in his last start.  In that outing, Hamels allowed 3 runs and 9 hits (including a home run) through 7 innings of work.  Hamels fanned 5 while walking 2.  The veteran lefty hasn’t allowed more than 3 runs per start in his last 10 starts and owns a 4 – 2 record in those starts.  Last season, Hamels went 8 – 14 with a 3.60 ERA in 33 starts.

Hamels didn’t face the Mariners in 2013, but he has seen many of the Seattle hitters before. The Mariners are batting .272 against Hamels with 22 hits, 3 homers and 6 RBI in 81 at-bats.       

Seattle Mariners Betting Trends

Seattle Mariners are 48-70-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Seattle Mariners is 0.8

Philadelphia Phillies Betting Trends

Philadelphia Phillies are 65-51-8 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Philadelphia Phillies is -0.6

Injuries to Watch

Seattle Mariners

08/08/14 SS Willie Bloomquist Knee 15-day DL (7/24); out for season
08/03/14 1B Corey Hart Knee 15-day DL (8/2)
07/11/14 CF Michael Saunders Side 15-day DL (7/10)
04/16/14 P Blake Beavan Shoulder 60-day DL (4/15)

Philadelphia Phillies

08/01/14 P Cliff Lee Elbow 15-day DL (7/31), out for season
07/22/14 RF John Mayberry Wrist 15-day DL (7/21)
06/20/14 3B Reid Brignac Ankle 15-day DL (6/20)
06/07/14 P Mike Adams Rotator Cuff 60-day DL (6/7)
05/13/14 2B Freddy Galvis Collarbone out 6-8 weeks

Josh's Pick: Take Seattle

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