The set-up: Neither of these starters instills a ton of confidence. The visitors hand the ball to Reynaldo Lopez, while the home side counters with Drew Smyly. Smyly however has looked a lot better of late and I think he'll easily get the better of his erratic counterpart.

The pitchers: Lopez (5-9, 5.43 ERAhas been a lot better of late, but note that he's still just 2-4 with a 5.33 ERA on the road this season.


Smyly (2-5, 6.85) has looked fantastic over two starts for the Phillies, going 1-0 with a minuscule 0.69 ERA, allowing one earned run over 13 innings with three walks and 13 strikeouts.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Chicago is a poor 10-18 as a road dog of +150 or higher this season, while Philly is 15-8 as a home favorite of -150 or higher. I'm laying the price and expecting a blowout.

Philadelphia Phillies 9* play