John Ryan

Game: Philadelphia Phillies at Houston Astros Sep 5 2009 7:05PM

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies

Reason:
Ai Simulator 5* graded play on Philadelphia as they face Houston set to start at 7:05 EST. The Phillies team, again this year, has been successful for a wide array of reasons. The most dominant one has been that every time there has been a personal slump, another player has stepped up and contributed big. Lee has struggled in his last 2 starts and now Blanton will step it up a notch ? just as he has for 2 full seasons. Pedro is another go to guy as well afer he out pitched Cy Young candidate Lincecum just a few days ago. Ibanez slumps after coming off the DL and Werth contributes big. Lidge has been struggling nearly all season, but you can see his teammates support and encourage him. He looks to be back in big way and that in many ways is picking up Lee. Phillies , the best road team in baseball, and truly the most resilient team in baseball will win this game. Supporting this graded play is a strong angle revealing the fact that the Phillies are a solid 16-5 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in road games versus a decent bullpen whose WHIP is 1.350 to 1.450 this season; 32-17 (+13.3 Units) against the money line vs. good defensive catchers - allowing 0.5 or less SB's/game in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. Take the Phillies.