We went 1-1 on Sunday as our 4* ELITE selection on the Phillies/Nationals OVER was an easy 11-9 WINNER. Both starting pitchers were horrible as the teams combined for 12 runs in the first 3 innings. Aaron Nola made his return after being on the shelf since May 15th and he likely wishes he had waited a bit longer. Nola lasted just 3.2 innings while being shelled for 9 runs on 12 hits. The Nats Mitchell Parker was no better as he continued his downward spiral allowing 5 runs on 4 hits before being yanked after 1.2 innings. Parker was the perfect elixir for a Phillies lineup that has struggled recently. Our 1* STRONG play on the Athletics was an 11-5 Loser in 10 innings as the Angels exploded for 6 runs in their half of the 10th versus A’s relievers Michael Kelly and Ben Bowden. Both starters were terrible with the A’s Jeffrey Springs giving up 5 runs on 8 hits over 5.2 innings, and the Angels Jose Soriano allowing 5 runs on 8 hits in 5.2 innings. Adding 2.98 Units brings our rolling 172 day record to 246-184 for Plus 263.34 Units.
8-17-25 4* ELITE – (MLB) Phillies/Nationals OVER 9.5 -115 (11-9) WIN
8-17-25 1* STRONG – (MLB) Athletics -102 (5-11 – 10 Innings) LOSS
8-17-25 – 4* ELITE – Phillies/Nationals OVER 9.5 -115
This matchup sets up as a “Perfect Storm” for a SLUGFEST with neither starting pitcher inspiring confidence. Aaron Nola gets the nod for the Phillies. He was last seen on May 14th when the Cardinals shellacked him 9 runs on 12 hits in just 3.2 innings. And even before that outing Nola was not himself, carrying an inflated 4.89 ERA. With a pitch count likely in play today, we still see the pesky Nats lineup doing some major damage as Nola attempts to round back into form. The bigger part of this handicap centers around a Complete Fade of Mitchell Parker as he faces off against this dangerous Phillies lineup. Parker is in “Absolute Freefall” as he has allowed an astounding 17 runs on 20 hits over his last 3 starts (14.1 Innings). This is certainly not the form one wants to carry into a battle against Schwarber, Harper and the boys, who enter this contest off of an embarrassing 2-0 shutout. With Parker tossing meatballs, and the Washington bullpen being among the worst in MLB, it would not surprise to see the Phillies put this one OVER by themselves. Look for the Washington sky to be filled with baseballs this morning (11:35 start) as this matchup easily clears the posted Total.