Free Picks: Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets

Predicted to be top teams in the NL East, the Mets are trying to gain ground on the red-hot Phillies. In this preview, I look at total runs due to Philadelphia’s offense being elite to open the season. Deep into their rotation, can the Mets’ pitching staff bust my pick and ruin my bet?

Starting the season a perfect 4-0, the Phillies remained the only undefeated team in the majors. Timely hitting and staggering defense helped Philadelphia open the season without a loss.

For this MLB prediction, I think I need to go two ways: Either the money line or total runs. I think the value and return of the total runs will provide a better bet than picking either team to win straight up.

New York are considered the underdog, but I don’t like how deep they are into their rotation, especially considering who the Phils have pitching.

Aaron Nola is the predicted starter for Philadelphia Wednesday evening. Nola’s first start of the season came against the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day. In that game, Nola tossed 6 2/3 innings and allowed 2 runs on one swing of the bat. The Phillies would defeat the Braves, 3-2.

Combating the Phillies’ lineup is lefty David Peterson. Peterson is coming off an impressive rookie season, but there are already reports about limiting the number of innings he’ll pitch in the regular season.

The Phils are damaging opposing pitching in the early going. Rhys Hoskins, J.T. Realmuto, and Didi Gregorius have jumped out of the gate running, combing for 14 hits between the trio.

It’s early in the season but one of New York’s best hitters has been Jacob DeGrom. Yes, after one night of play, DeGrom managed 2 hits in a losing effort. New York has another chance to improve stats against the Phillies on Tuesday. It’s a small sample size of one game, but it’s not the most promising start to the Mets’ season.

With that being said, I think taking the Phillies over in total runs is one of the best MLB bets you can make. Philadelphia is swinging a hot bat and I love the value at +100.

Hot offenses find a way to stay swinging and that’s what we have with Philadelphia. Even if they have a poor offensive performance Tuesday against the Mets, I am banking on them bouncing back on Wednesday.

• Philadelphia averages 3.50 runs per game (4 games).
• The Phillies average 8 hits per game.
• The Phillies have averaged 4.70 runs against NYM in last 10.
• The Phillies’ team Batting Average is .256