[Jeff Grant]

It's apparent to me that early bettors were looking to push this number up to 9, but had to settle with an advantageous price on playing the under at 8.5:

• Arizona's pitching staff is throwing the ball really well right now, while also ranking third in the majors with a 3.36 road ERA - behind only the Reds and Nationals
• Diamondbacks SP Ian Kennedy is 21-6 with a 2.95 ERA after the All-Star break in his career, which is why his 3-0 mark and 2.42 ERA in his last three efforts is no surprise after a slow start to the season
• Both Kennedy and Philadelphia SP Joe Blanton have the ability of pitching late in the game, while both bullpens have been tremendous over the last 10 days - DBacks (1.52 ERA) and Phillies (0.73 ERA)
• Blanton has done his best work during the months of August and September over the course of his career, posting a 14-6 (2.77 ERA) and 17-6 record (4.40 ERA) respectively.

I suggest taking a long look at this offering on the SBR Odds page, especially with Blanton (4-1 under) and Kennedy's (14-5-1 under) total numbers with a number of 7 to 8.5

[Jeff Grant]

Joe Blanton is going to the Dodgers