I really like this match up particularly because the value is really good on the Phillies at home in this spot because they have scored 2 runs in their last 2 games. Well they faced two lefties back to back and now they'll face a RH pitcher where they have gone 20-8 in their last 28 vs. a RH starter. That RH starter will be Ryan Dempster who is off to a good start, but has a 4.71 ERA in his last 3 starts.
Dempster has also struggled the last two match ups which have come in the last two years vs. the Phillies giving up 16 hits in 13 IP and 10 ER with 6 BB. Phillies current roster has a career .311 average in 103 AB with a .856 OPS. Dempster has not pitched as well during day starts as night, although similar. Cubs are 7-16 in Dempsters L23 starts following a Quality start in his last outing.
Phillies send Blanton to the hill and he has not yet gotten into a groove since coming back from injury. I think this will be a great opportunity for him because the Cubs have just a .244 average 3.41 runs per 9 vs. RHP in their last 10 games. Blanton is backed by a bullpen that has a 1.46 ERA while Dempster is backed by a 6.38 BP ERA over the last 10 games. I really don't see the Phillies losing three straight not when they added Jimmy Rollins to the line up last night and should be getting Chase Utley back tomorrow.
In Blantons two career starts vs. the Cubs he's allowed just 3 ER over 12.2 IP while giving up only 7 hits. The Phillies are 21-9 in his last 30 starts as a favorite. Phillies also have played better during the day with an average of 5.84 runs created per 27 outs as opposed to 5.53 at night.
