The entire sports betting world or at least the contingent that’s into baseball will have their minds focused on this baseball odds matchup. The Philadelphia Phillies (56-46), the winners of 8 straight games and the hottest team in baseball, just got a bit hotter by trading for Astros Ace Roy Oswalt (6-12, 3.42 ERA). He will make his regularly scheduled start on Friday night versus the lowly Washington Nationals –but he’ll be wearing a Philly jersey, not a Houston jersey. Oswalt hasn’t been able to win a game to save his life and has given up 6+ runs in two of his past 10 starts, but for the most part he’s been throwing the ball as well has he has in years and the W-L troubles have more to do with playing for a terrible team with no run support than poor pitching. Acquiring the former NLCS MVP was a great MLB odds move for the Phillies and it should give them the boost the need to get back into first place in the NL East baseball betting odds standings.
They’ll have to get through the Washington Nationals first tonight’s MLB odds matchup, but that looks like a given. The Nats (44-58) are as bad as ever and are now without superstar rookie Steven Strasburg who injured his shoulder. This team should pose little trouble for the Phillies as they look to win 9-straight games in the baseball betting odds competition or for Oswald as he looks for his first MLB odds win in a Phillies uniform.
The Nats will start Craig Stammen (2-4, 5.50 ERA) who is in the midst of a terrible season. His numbers would probably get him sent to the minors on most rosters but the Nats are among the worst teams in the baseball betting odds action. He’s lost three of his past four decisions and given up a plenty of runs.
The Nats have also lost three of his past four home starts and the chances of him getting the win tonight against a re-invigorated Oswalt seem very slim. If you’re going to bet on this baseball odds matchup, bet on the Phillies to win.