The Boston Red Sox have been looking up at the New York Yankees in the American League East standings all season long but have closed the game to two on the Bronx Bombers thanks to wins in 15 of their last 22 tilts. The BoSox, who visit the Philadelphia Phillies today, opened as heavy -240 road chalk with a total of 8.5 at sportsbooks.
Brian Johnson and Jeremy Hellickson will get the nod for the Sox and Phils, respectively. Johnson (2-0, 3.44 ERA) will make his fifth career start vs a National League team. The 26-year-old allowed three runs on eight hits over 4 1/3 innings of work in his last appearance against Detroit, receiving a no-decision in the process.
Hellickson (5-4, 4.50) fell to 1-4 with a 6.43 ERA in his past eight starts after surrendering three runs on 10 hits in six innings of Friday’s 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. The hurler has been plagued by the long ball lately, giving up 14 homers in 13 starts on the year.
The Phillies have been ice-cold for their bettors of late, dropping each of their last eight games. The Red Sox are also 7-0 SU in their previous seven vs the Phils.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Boston Red Sox were listed as -218 favorites on the MLB baseball moneyline at many online sportsbooks, including Sportsbook. The total was set at 8 before betting started earlier on Thursday over at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 8.1-4.0 victory for the Red Sox. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Boston Red Sox vs Philadelphia Phillies Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Philadelphia Phillies bring a 21-43 record to the battle against the 37-28 Red Sox. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Philadelphia vs Boston injuries news.
The Philadelphia Phillies vs Boston Red Sox odds would favor the Red Sox if the betting lines were set according to our power ranks. Philadelphia is rated No. 29 in the current Odds Shark poll, while Boston is at No. 4.
Statistical Matchup
Rating these teams in several key categories is important for handicappers and Philadelphia has baseball's No. 27-rated offensive output, at 8.27 hits per game. The Boston Red Sox average 9.23 hits per game, good for No. 6 on the list.
Defensively, Boston features the No. 11-rated defense on the road, allowing 4.45 runs per game. Philadelphia, meanwhile, comes in at No. 20 at home, scoring 4.44 runs per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Red Sox enjoyed a 7-3 victory at the expense of the Phillies on Wednesday, with Brian Johnson throwing 3.1 innings of 1-hit ball at Citizens Bank Park.
Next Betting Matchups
Boston at Houston, Friday, June 16th
Philadelphia home to Arizona, Friday, June 16th