Sportsbook.ag MLB Game of Day

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (37-46) at NEW YORK METS (44-38)

Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: New York -117 & 7 under -125

The Mets and Phillies will play the rubber game of a three-game set as the two NL East foes battle in New York.

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R.A. Dickey takes the hill again in this one, after completing a spectacular month of June in which he pitched two one-hitters, totaling a 5-0 record, 0.93 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, .131 opponents' BA and 55 strikeouts in 48.1 innings. But he faces Phils lefty Cole Hamels, who has a 3.08 ERA on the season and a 2.05 ERA in his past three outings. But the Phillies have been struggling mightily lately, as their Wednesday win snapped a six-game losing skid. The Mets are also 7-4 versus Philadelphia this season and hold a 17-12 record (.586) record vs. NL East opponents this season. And whereas Dickey has owned the Phillies with a 2.40 ERA and 1.18 WHIP against them in his seven career starts, Hamels is just 5-10 versus the Mets in his career with a 4.34 ERA and hefty 1.47 WHIP.

The Phillies have been dreadful versus NL East opponents this season, with an 11-18 record (.379). The good news for Phillies fans is that Hamels has won both of his starts in 2012 versus the Mets, posting a 3.60 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 16 K's in 15 innings. The key for him is limiting home runs-despite his strong numbers, he has allowed 12 long balls, six of which have come in his seven road starts. He will also need to keep his control, having allowed three walks in three consecutive starts, especially considering the Mets have drawn the most walks in the National League (279).

Dickey's incredible month of June earned him NL Pitcher of the Month honors. His one start in 2012 versus Philadelphia on April 13 was a win, whiffing seven in as many innings, allowing just one run. The key for him is going deep in games, which he can do quite effectively, averaging more than seven per start this season. Minimizing the action of the New York bullpen is best for him, considering their 5.11 ERA and 1.49 WHIP on the season. Dickey (2.15 ERA, 0.89 WHIP) has been even better at home this season, going 6-0 with a 1.85 ERA and 0.84 WHIP.