Chris Hodge, Free Picks Newsletter Editor
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MLB: Atlanta Braves (+120)vs. Philadelphia Phillies (-140) Over/Under (8u -110)

Could we be in store for a game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies where a lot of runs are scored? It’s possible. The starting pitchers scheduled for both teams tonight have had lackluster success against the opposing squad.

Atlanta will try to avoid being swept in a 3-game series for the first time this season, as the Phils look to get one step closer to clinching the division. Brandon Beachy is scheduled to pitch for Atlanta. He’s scheduled to face the struggling Roy Oswalt.

Beachy has been outstanding lately. He’s 4-0 with a 2.79 ERA over his last eight starts. However, when it comes to pitching against the Phillies, he’s had some trouble. In three starts against the Phillies, Beachy has a 5.79 ERA over 14 innings pitched, and Philly has hit a robust .362 against him.

Now here comes the but.

In Beachy’s last start against the Phils back on July 8, he pitched six strong innings, allowing only two earned runs. The Braves lost the game 3-2. It was hardly Beachy’s fault. He faced Roy Halladay in that game.

Tonight, he’s got the other Roy, Roy Oswalt. Oswalt’s last two starts have been against the Florida Marlins. He pitched a total of 12 innings, allowing 20 hits, 9 runs, 8 earned and hit the 100 pitch mark by the sixth inning in both games. The Marlins rank 22nd in the Major Leagues in runs scored, and 20th in batting average (.249).

Oswalt himself said he hasn’t had his best stuff in recent outings. The statistics certainly back that up. It should be noted that over his last three starts against the Braves, his ERA is a whopping 5.73.

The Braves find a way to take advantage of Oswalt, and salvage their streak of never being swept in a 3-game series in 2011. Kokomo, Indiana, native Brandon Beachy will throw fast and take it slow on his way to a win.

Pick: Take the Atlanta Braves (+120)