Monday, September 8, 2014

Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Monday night, Jeff Locke (6 – 4, 3.75 ERA) takes the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates as they take on Kyle Kendrick (8 -11, 4.77 ERA) and the Philadelphia Phillies.  Locke will make his 18th start as Kendrick makes his 29th start. 

Jeff Locke was battered in his last start and ended up with the loss.  In just 3 innings of work, Locke surrendered 5 runs on 4 hits while walking 5 and striking out 3.  Locke had been pitching well up until that start.  He will bring a 4 -3 record in his last 10 starts into this outing.  Last season, Locke finished the year with a 10 – 7 record and a 3.52 ERA in 30 starts.   

In 2013, Locke was a perfect 2 – 0 with a 1.54 ERA in his 2 starts against the Phillies.  Earlier this season, he beat Philadelphia again after holding them to 2 runs on 3 hits (including a home run) in 8 innings.

Kyle Kendrick notched his 3rd straight victory his last time out.  In the win, Kendrick hurled 7 shutout innings and allowed just 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4.  It was one of the better efforts from Kendrick this season and the win took his record to 4 – 3 in his last 10 starts.  In 2013, Kendrick went 10 – 13 with a 4.70 ERA in 30 starts.

Last season, Kendrick didn’t face the Pirates but he has seen the lineup before.  Pittsburgh is batting .284 against Kendrick with 31 hits, 4 homers and 9 RBIs in 109 at-bats.      

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Pirates are 64-67-8 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Pittsburgh Pirates is 0.1

Philadelphia Phillies Betting Trends

Philadelphia Phillies are 72-56-11 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Philadelphia Phillies is -0.4

Injuries to Watch

Pittsburgh Pirates

09/03/14 3B Pedro Alvarez Foot questionable
09/03/14 RF Travis Snider Hamstring questionable
08/18/14 P Charlie Morton Hernia 15-day DL (8/16)
08/16/14 P Stolmy Pimentel Ankle 15-day DL (8/14)

Philadelphia Phillies

08/01/14 P Cliff Lee Elbow 15-day DL (7/31), out for season
06/20/14 3B Reid Brignac Ankle 15-day DL (6/20)

Josh's Pick: Take Washington

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