NLCS Game: Phillies Facing Elimination, Giants Look to Advance

Sportsbook.com Phillies vs. Giants Betting Odds: Philadelphia -123, San Francisco +113 Total: 5.5

Coming into the year, Roy Halladay (21-10, 2.44 ERA) had never pitched in a postseason game. Thursday he starts the biggest game of his career as the Phillies try to stave off elimination and send the series back to Philadelphia. Tim Lincecum (16-10, 3.43 ERA) goes for San Francisco in what becomes a rematch of Game 1, a 4-3 Giants victory.

San Francisco tagged Halladay for four runs on eight hits, including two home runs in the series opener. The loss dropped Halladay to 0-3 lifetime against San Francisco. His ERA against the Giants now stands at 6.66 and his WHIP is a hefty 1.48. It was Halladay’s first loss since August 30, breaking up a streak of six consecutive wins. The right-hander pitched well on the road this year, going 10-5 with a 2.57 ERA. With the total posted at just 5.5, it’s interesting to note that only one of Halladay’s last seven starts have gone under the total (five over, one push).

Lincecum comes into the matchup after picking up the win in Game 1, giving up three runs on six hits over seven innings. He allowed two home runs for just the second time this year. With the win, Lincecum is now 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA over his last three starts. Including the postseason, he is 10-7 with a 3.40 ERA at home this year. The Game 1 victory improved his career record against Philadelphia to 3-1. His ERA in those starts in 3.09 with a WHIP of 1.03.

If you are a believer in MLB betting trends there are plentythat favor San Francisco tonight, including:

Play On - Home underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher (SAN FRANCISCO) - cold hitting team - batting .240 or worse over their last 10 games against opponent with a hot starting pitcher- ERA less than 2.50 over his last 3 starts. (112-87 over the last 5 seasons.) (56.3%, +55.3 units. Rating = 3*).

Play On - Home teams (SAN FRANCISCO) - with a starting pitcher whose ERA is 3.70 or better on the season (NL) against opponent with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.050 or better on the season-NL. (172-99 since 1997.) (63.5%, +77.4 units. Rating = 3*).

With the most generous dime lines in the industry, it is no wonder Everybody Bets on baseball at Sportsbook.com.