Los Angeles Dodgers (59-54) @ Philadelphia Phillies (62-50)

Date: Thursday August 12th, 2010

Time: 7:05 pm EST

Preview: The Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies will play the final game of a three game series which is a re-match of the 2009 National League Divisional Series. Both teams come into Wednesday’s action on the outside looking in, when it comes to the 2010 postseason. The Dodgers are five games over .500, but 7 games out of first place and 4.5 games behind wild card leading San Francisco. The Dodgers have won just 23 of 53 on the road this season, which is where this game will be. Los Angeles ranks 14th in baseball with a .260 batting average, which is anchored by Andre Either and his .304 mark. The Dodgers will send Clayton Kershaw to the mound, in search of his 11th win of the season. The 22 year old left hander from Texas is coming off a loss to Washington, where he lasted just six innings.

The Phillies will send Joe Blanton to the mound. Blanton, a former Athletics pitcher, is 4-6 on the season with a 5.65 earned run average. The 29 year old from Nashville holds a 67-60 career record. Philadelphia is 2.5 games behind the Braves atop the National League East. The Phillies have been hampered by injuries all season, from Jimmy Rollins, to Chase Utley to Ryan Howard. Despite being on the disabled list, Howard leads the team with 23 homeruns and 81 runs batted in.

My MLB Betting Picks: The home team Phillies find a way to win. Philadelphia 6-5.