Marlins-Phillies Pointspread Pointers

If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Thursday when the Florida Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies meet at Citizens Bank Park. The Marlins will trot Chris Volstad out to the mound in this one. Righthander Volstad has a 1-2 record and a 3.51 ERA this season. The Phillies will counter Volstad with ace Cole Hamels. Lefthander Hamels has a 3.37 ERA to go along with a 9-7 record this season. NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Phillies listed as 220-moneyline favorites versus the Marlins, while the game's total has not yet been posted. Kyle Kendrick combined on a five-hit shutout on Wednesday, as the Phillies defeated the Marlins 5-0. The Phillies won the game as -145 favorites, but the five runs went UNDER the night's posted over/under (10.5). Ryan Howard went 2-for-5 at the plate with a solo home run for the Phillies. Kendrick improved to 10-5 with the win. Anibal Sanchez allowed four runs off five hits in five innings in a losing effort. Oddsmakers had the Marlins as +135 underdogs in that game. Team records: Florida: 60-54 SU Philadelphia: 62-51 SU Florida most recently: When playing on Thursday are 7-3 Before playing NY Mets are 5-5 After playing Philadelphia are 4-6 After a loss are 8-2 Philadelphia most recently: When playing on Thursday are 5-5 Before playing Pittsburgh are 8-2 After playing Florida are 6-4 After a win are 6-4 A few trends to consider: Florida is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia Philadelphia is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Florida Philadelphia is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home Next up: Florida at NY Mets, Friday, August 8 Philadelphia home to Pittsburgh, Friday, August 8