PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES -110 - Both of these clubs come in riding 3-game losing streaks, as the Phillies just got swept at home by the suddenly hot Marlins, while the Expos dropped their last 3 games in Atlanta. While the YTD numbers on tonight?s starting pitchers are very similar (Duckworth 4.47 ERA, 1.49 ratio; Hernandez 4.05 ERA, 1.40 ratio), Duckworth has the much better current form. He has now gone an impressive 4 consecutive starts without allowing more than 2 runs, and he has allowed 3 runs or less in 6 of his last 7 outings! In his last start, he held the Cubs scoreless on just 3 hits in 6 innings in a game the Phils lost 1-0 on a Sosa home run. Duckworth should receive better run support tonight, as Hernandez appears to be off of his game right now. Livan has allowed at least 4 runs in each of his last 4 starts, although he got away with it in his last effort, an 11-4 rout of the Mets. Also, should the bullpens be brought into play, Philadelphia would have a decided advantage. The Phillies are 2nd to only the Dodgers in the National League in bullpen ERA, at 2.95, and this unit has a fine ratio of 1.27. On the other hand, the Expos have a pen ERA of 4.19 with a group ratio of 1.44.
