The set-up: The LA Angels have won the first two of their three-game IL series with the Phillies by a combined 14-1 score. Wednesday's 7-1 win marked LA's 11th consecutive win over Philadelphia. The Angels go for a three-game sweep tonight and will be looking for their fifth victory in six contests. The "mini-surge" has LA within three games of the AL's final wild card spot , although the Angels still have four teams to 'climb over.' The Phillies haven't 'climbed over' anyone in 2017, as they check in with MLB's worst record (39-60) and its third-worst moneyline mark (minus-$1918).

The pitching matchup: Jerad Eickhoff (2-7 & 4.56 ERA) starts for Philly and Parker Bridwell (5-1 & 2.83 ERA) for LA. Eickhoff has won his last two decisions, after losing his first seven of the campaign. However, one can't avoid the fact that the Phillies are 5-13 in his 18 starts in 2017, leaving him minus-$850 against the moneyline, the 8th-worst mark among all starters. In stark contrast, LA rookie Bridwell has seen the Angels go 7-1 in his eight starts this season, giving him MLB's third-best moneyline mark at plus-$917. He's coming of going 3-0 with a 1.69 ERA in four starts (LA was 4-0).

The pick: Neither starter has ever faced tonight's opponent but every aspect of this matchup favors the Angels. Bridwell has been a huge winner and Eickhoff a huge loser in 2017 plus the Phillies' 16-38 road record plus 11 straight losses to the Angels pretty much clinches it. Make the Angels a 10* play.