Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates are in Philadelphia for the first game of a four game series with the Phillies. This will be just the 4th meeting of the season between the Pirates and Phillies with the Pirates winning all three games so far although the Phillies have played the Pirates well at home over the past few seasons winning 13 of the last 20 meetings in Philadelphia.
Head to Head Trends
Pirates are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Over is 8-2-1 in the last 11 meetings in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Phillies (+114)
The Philadelphia Phillies are 5th in the National League East 14.5 games back of the 1st place Washington Nationals. The Phillies aren’t having the best season they are 10 games under .500 at 66-76 but they have been playing better over the past few weeks winning 11 of their last 16 games. The Phillies average 3.96 runs per game on offense and allow 4.34 runs per game on defense for a -0.38 run differential although those numbers are much improved of late. Over their last 10 games the Phillies averaged 5 runs per game on offense and allowed just 3.50 runs per game on defense. Something else to note about the Phillies is that they have hit lefty’s pretty good all season averaging 4.08 runs per 9 inning versus left handed pitching and are 19-16 versus left handed starters this season. On the hill for the Phillies today is Kyle Kendrick who is 8-11 with a 4.77 ERA on the season.
Philadelphia Phillies Trends
Phillies are 11-5 in their last 16 overall.
Phillies are 5-1 in Kendricks last 6 starts.
Phillies are 5-1 in their last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Pittsburgh Pirates (-124)
The Pittsburgh Pirates are 2nd in the National League Central 4.5 games back of the St Louis Cardinals. The Pirates are 6 games over .500 with a 74-68 record but they have struggled on the road this season where they are just 30-40. Away from home the Pirates are averaging 4.10 runs per game on offense and allowing 4.23 runs per game on defense. Starting for the Pirates today is lefty Jeff Locke who is 6-4 with a 3.75 ERA in 17 start this season.
Pittsburgh Pirates trends
Pirates are 1-5 in Lockes last 6 road starts.
Pirates are 8-18 in their last 26 road games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Conclusion
I like the Phillies over the Pirates in this one today. The Phillies are playing much better lately but we’re still getting them as a nice little +114 home underdog. Philadelphia also hits lefty’s pretty good as well and the Pirates tend to struggle on the road so I think there’s some nice value in the Phillies today.
Free Pick: Philadelphia Phillies +114
