Section 215’s Best Philly Betting Picks for 7/20 (Phillies Stumble, But Future is Bright)

Last night’s loss to the Brewers hurt, but the Phillies are still on a great run and have a chance to pull out the series win on a quick turnaround with a day game on Thursday.

That also means another chance to bet on the Phillies, even if the best bet for the game might not be one that feels very good to lock in.

It’s not only Philly sports that are exciting right now either, with the US Women’s National Team ready to give us an opportunity to show some national pride and back Julie Ertz.

Here’s a look at our editors’ top betting picks for Philadelphia sports fans on Thursday.

Best Philadelphia Betting Picks: July 20

Tyler Maher: Brewers Moneyline

The Phillies saw their winning streak end at four yesterday as the Brewers came out on top with a 5-3 win. Philly can still bounce back with a win on Thursday, though, to take the series.

The Phillies will try to rebound behind Taijuan Walker, who leads MLB with 11 wins. The former All-Star has really turned things around after a rough start, going 8-1 with a 2.25 ERA over his last 10 outings.

It’s been quite a run for the 30-year-old righty, but unfortunately he has a tough matchup today against Corbin Burnes. The former NL Cy Young winner and three-time All-Star has been sensational in July, going 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 19 innings this month.

As good as Walker’s been lately, Burnes is simply a better pitcher at the top of his game. As such, I’m fading Philly at home today and going with Milwaukee to win outright.

Jason Schandl: Phillies to Win the National League

Let’s bring back some positivity, shall we?

Obviously it’s the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves getting most of the public love to represent the National League in the World Series this season, but people are truly sleeping on the Phillies. In fact, you can get better than 10-to-1 odds on that pick.

To start with, Philadelphia’s pitching has been the best in the majors this season, and not a lot of other teams have even come close. The Phillies pitchers’ 14.0 WAR is tops in the majors and considerably more than the Marlins’ 11.4, which ranks second in the NL. And if we split things out to starters and bullpen, the Phillies rank top-five in the majors for WAR in both groups.

The question mark, though, is obviously the bats. With a wRC+ of 100, Philadelphia has been exactly average on the offensive end. It does feel like there’s been a ton of underperformance compared to the talent level in the lineup, though, and that starts at the top of the order with Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber hitting well below their career averages in both batting average and slugging percentage. A little positive regression there could go a long way, and the Phillies are also positioned to make a splash at the trade deadline.

One big addition and suddenly the public is going to catch up to just how dangerous this team is, and you won’t be able to get them at +1100 anymore. Pounce on this line now, while you still can.

Isaiah De Los Santos: USA vs Vietnam OVER 6.5 Total Goals

The Ertz family is royalty in Philadelphia after Zach’s nearly nine-year run with the Eagles. Not only did the three-time Pro Bowl tight end help deliver a Super Bowl to the city, but his wife, Julie, has been a key player in the United States women’s national soccer team winning back-to-back FIFA World Cups. Talk about a sports power couple.

Now Julie and the Americans are seeking a historic three-peat at the 2023 World Cup in Australia. They begin their title defense on Friday against Vietnam, and I think we could see a repeat of how their 2019 run opened. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m referencing the 13-0 thrashing that the United States handed Thailand to begin the Group Stage at the last World Cup.

Vietnam presents a similarly ranked opponent (No. 32 in FIFA’s rankings; Thailand is No. 44) for the USWNT to beat up on to start the tournament. With most of the 2019 roster’s stars back – including Ertz, Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and Rose Lavelle – this team is well-positioned to do some serious damage against Vietnam. That’s why I’m jumping on there to be over 6.5 goals in this contest.

If you want to maximize your value on any of our bets on Thursday, check out the following exclusive Section 215 sportsbook promos.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.