Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds Betting Preview
Where: Great American Ball Park — Cincinnati, Ohio
When: Monday, April 3, 2017, 4:10 PM ET
Line: Philadelphia Phillies (+103) at Cincinnati Reds (-113); total: 8.5– view all MLB lines
TV Broadcast: CSP / FSOH
Writer’s Pick: Cincinnati Reds (-113)
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Betting on the Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies head into the new baseball season with some optimism after an eight-win improvement last year. But they’re obviously far from being considered as contenders, as implied by their +12,500 World Series odds.
However, that doesn’t mean this team can’t continue striding forward and win this game. To do so, Philadelphia needs to start smashing in some runs—an area where they ranked last in the majors in 2016.
The off-season additions of veterans Howie Kendrick and Michael Saunders can hopefully help the Phillies fix that. The pair combined for 135 runs and 97 RBIs last season.
On the mound, Jeremy Hellickson, who is making his second-straight Opening Day start, will also have to improve from his previous campaign. He went 12-10 with a 3.71 ERA in 32 starts, a career-high.
Betting on the Cincinnati Reds
Cincy fans also saw their team take baby steps forward last season, adding four victories to their win total from 2015. Despite that, the Reds still finished at the very bottom of the National League Central. They’re averaging 96 losses in the last two years.
On a bright note, Joey Votto is a beacon of hope for Cincinnati, which is a +5,000 long shot to win the division title. He’s reputed as one of baseball’s top hitters after leading the league in OBP (.434) along with 29 dingers and 97 runs-batted-in last year. Votto has to deliver the goods and ignite the offense here.
Speaking of which, the Reds wish for the same from their veteran starter: Scott Feldman. Feldman, whom they acquired in a one-year deal during the offseason, is 1-0 with a 1.98 ERA in two Opening Day starts.
Writer’s Prediction
Cincy (-113) wins it, 7-2.
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