MLB Picks: Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies Odds: July 18th 2010

Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies
MLB Pick: Philadelphia Phillies -165
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At 8:05 pm (time change), our complimentary selection is on the Philadelphia Phillies over the Chicago Cubs. Roy Halladay gets the call for Charlie Manuel’s Phillies tonight, and there’s very little one can find fault with when one looks at his 2010 campaign. He’s “only” 10-7 this year, but that has much more to do with a lack of run support than with his performance. Indeed, his 2.19 ERA and 1.05 WHIP place him among baseball’s best this season. And certainly, such stats would predict a better record than 10-7. And, over his last three outings, Halladay’s numbers improve to 1.73 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. Granted, Halladay has never defeated Chicago in his career. But he’s had just two starts (going 0-2), and his ERA vs. the Cubbies is still a very respectable 3.00, with a WHIP of 1.25. He’ll match-up with Tom Gorzelanny tonight, and Gorzelanny has also pitched very well this year (3.16 ERA; 1.40 WHIP). But at home, in hitter-friendly Wrigley Field, Gorzelanny has a 4.50 ERA with a less-than-impressive 1.56 WHIP. Yesterday, Philadelphia erupted for four runs in the 9th inning to overtake Chicago with a 4-1 victory. And I often look to go against teams in their next game after blowing a 9th inning lead. The Cubbies are a poor 26-35 vs. righties this season. Take Philadelphia. Good luck, as always…Al McMordie.