MLB Handicapping: Cubs vs Phillies

Courtesy of OddsShark.com: The Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Citizens Bank Park. The Cubs will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Ryan Dempster in this game. Dempster has a 2-4 record and a 3.49 ERA this season. Starting this game for the Phillies will be Joe Blanton. The righthander has a 5.49 ERA to go along with a 1-2 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Phillies listed as 123-moneyline favorites versus the Cubs, while the game's total has not yet been posted. Xavier Nady drove in a pair of runs and the Cubs sealed a 4-1 win over the Phillies on Wednesday, as +116 underdogs. The teams played UNDER that game's posted over/under (9.5) set by sportsbooks. Tom Gorzelanny pitched 6 2-3 scoreless innings to pick up the win for the Cubs. Jamie Moyer was tagged with the loss, giving up four hits and two runs over his seven innings for the Phillies. Current streak: Chicago has won 4 straight games. Philadelphia has lost 2 straight games. Team records: Chicago: 19-22 SU Philadelphia: 24-15 SU Chicago most recently: When playing on Thursday are 5-5 Before playing Texas are 2-4 After playing Philadelphia are 4-6 After a win are 6-4 Philadelphia most recently: When playing on Thursday are 5-5 Before playing Boston are 2-8 After playing Chi Cubs are 7-3 After a loss are 7-3 A few trends to consider: Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games Chi Cubs are 4-8 SU in their last 12 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia Chi Cubs are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games on the road Chi Cubs are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games when playing Philadelphia Philadelphia is 7-2 SU in their last 9 games when playing Chi Cubs Philadelphia is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games Philadelphia is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home Philadelphia is 8-4 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs Next up: Chi Cubs at Texas, Friday, May 21 Philadelphia home to Boston, Friday, May 21 The founder of forensic sports handicapping, Stevie Vincent has been a professional gambler since 2002. His plays are now public and a must for totals bettors as mastering over/under is his specialty.