Philadelphia Phillies Defeat Arizona Diamondbacks, Acquire Roy Oswalt
July 30, 2010- By Jonathan Lowell
After flashing his glove, Wilson Valedez delivered the Philadelphia Phillies their eighth win in a row. An RBI single was the difference in the bottom of the 11th inning as the Phillies took down the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-2 Thursday night.
The Phillies are making a run at the National League East crown, and added another player to their team during the game. Roy Oswalt was traded from the Houston Astros for J.A. Happ and two minor leaguers. The three-time All Star is scheduled to make his first start against the Washington Nationals Friday. The Phillies are favored in the MLB lines to win the game at -170.
“We’re trying to do what we can to get back to the World Series and win it,” Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. “To have Roy Oswalt, Roy Halladay and additionally Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton and Kyle Kendrick, we stack ourselves up as one of the best rotations in baseball.”
Slotted just before Oswalt in the starting rotation is Kyle Kendrick, who pitched a strong 6 1/3 innings before turning it over to the bullpen for the win. Kendrick only allowed four hits and one earned run while striking out five.
With eight wins in their last 10 games, MLB betting trends are beginning to favor the Phillies.
A home run to Miguel Montero was the only blemish on Kendrick’s line. The Diamondbacks also scored in the top of the ninth off the bat of Montero when he grounded out to short. Justin Upton crossed the plate to tie the score at 2-2.
In the bottom of the 11th, Esmerling Vasquez took the mound for the Diamondbacks. He struck out Jayson Werth, but immediately gave up a walk to Cody Ransom and a single to Carlos Ruiz. Valdez smacked a single to center, bringing home Ransom ahead of Chris Young’s throw.
“I feel happy to help the team,” said Valdez, who was filling in for the injured Jimmy Rollins. “We’re doing what we have to do to win.”
Veteran pitcher Jose Contreras shut down the Diamondbacks in the 11th for the win.
Joe Saunders looked impressive in his first start for the D’Backs after being acquired from the Los Angeles Angels earlier in the week. He pitched seven innings and only allowed two earned runs on nine hits.
MLB odds have the Diamondbacks as underdogs to win their next game with the New York Mets behind Ian Kennedy at +125. Mike Pelfrey will go for the Mets, who are favored at -145.
Related posts:
- A.J. Burnett, New York Yankees Fall To Arizona Diamondbacks
- Extending Upton’s Deal Means Arizona Diamondbacks Solidify Betting Odds
- Oddsmakers Favoring An NL Three-Peat For Philadelphia Phillies
- Dontrelle Willis Earns Win In First Game For Arizona Diamondbacks
- Houston Astros Ace Roy Oswalt Demands Trade
