World Series MVP on the Hill – Atlanta at Philadelphia

World Series MVP Hamels, Looking For First Win, Phils Look To Snap Modest Skid

The Atlanta Braves (13-15 SU, 11-17 RL, 12-15-1 O/U) and the Philadelphia Phillies (14-12 SU, 11-15 RL, 15-9-2 O/U) will both be trying to pick up a win in the BetOnline Sportsbook when they square off at Citizens Bank Park tonight at 7 PM ET.

Casey Kotchman homered and had two RBI to lead the Braves to a 4-2 win over the Florida Marlins on Thursday, as a -105 pick’em in the team’s second consecutive win.

David Ross also added two RBI on a two-run homer while the game’s six combined runs played Under the posted over/under (8.5).

The Phillies were swept in their two-game series against the New York Mets, dropping Thursday’s series finale 7-5 as +100 underdogs.

Outfielder Jayson Werth went 4-for-4 with a two-run homer for the Phillies while the 12 total runs played Over the 12-run O/U total.

Tonight the Braves will hand the ball to southpaw Jo-Jo Reyes (0-1, 5.00) who allowed four runs on six hits in 5.1 innings but didn’t record a decision in a 7-5 loss to Houston on Sunday.

The Phillies will counter with left-hander Cole Hamels (0-2, 7.27 ERA) who is still looking for his first win for the season after suffering injuries in each of his last two starts.

Hamels was struck in the shoulder On April 23 against Milwaukee by a line drive and left after pitching 3.1 innings in a 6-1 loss.

On April 28, Hamels turned his ankle in a 7-1 win over Washington in his last start, back after tossing 4.1 scoreless innings and had his start on Monday pushed back to tonight to make sure he’s healthy.

Here is a look at tonight’s key MLB trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and MLB Free Pick.

The Braves are 5-1 in their last 6 road games.

The Braves are 5-1 in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning record.

The Phillies are 6-1 in Hamels’ last 7 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.

The Phillies are 26-5 in Hamels’ last 31 starts vs. a team with a losing record.

The Phillies are 7-1 in Hamels’ last 8 starts vs. Braves.

The Under is 5-1 in Hamels’ last 6 starts vs. Braves.

The Braves are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Philadelphia.

The Braves are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

The Under is 4-1 in Hamels’ last 5 home starts vs. Braves.

The Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.

MLB Odds

Atlanta Braves +1½ -135

Jo-Jo Reyes – L +155

Philadelphia Phillies -1½ +115

Cole Hamels –L -175

Over 9½ -115

Under 9½ -105

Analysis: I like the Philadelphia Phillies to win this contest behind Cole Hamels as he picks up his first win of the season over the visiting Braves. Hamels, despite his slow, injury-filled start, is a phenomenal pitcher when he’s healthy and I believe he is for this start. While I like Atlanta’s Jo-Jo Reyes a think he has some pretty good stuff, I don’t see the Braves winning this contest tonight in Philly tonight as Hamels pitches a gem and the Phils’ big boppers go to work.

MLB Free Picks: Phillies -1½ Runs/Under 9½ Total Runs