The fifth season of the annual Play of the Day betting competition between the Sun’s sports staff is now under way, effective July 1.
Bankrolls start at $10,000 for each of the four participants, with the objective to increase it as much as possible over the next year. The minimum daily wager is $300, with a $200 penalty assessed for failing to place a bet on an assigned day.
Past winners are Case Keefer in 2017-2018, Ray Brewer in 2016-2017 and 2015-2016, and Taylor Bern in 2014-2015.
Philadelphia Phillies plus-105 vs. Washington Nationals, $600 to win $630:
Today’s game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia pits the Nationals — who expected to contend for the National League East crown before the season — and the Phillies who actually are.
The Nationals are a minus-115 favorite entering this game despite being five games behind Philadelphia in the standings and less than stellar on the road. With a mediocre record away from Washington D.C. of 33-35, it makes little sense that the Nationals would be favored over the Phillies, who have a spectacular home record of 41-23. Only two teams in the entire MLB (Yankees and Red Sox) have fewer losses at home this season.
The pitching matchup is an interesting one. The Nationals’ three-time Cy Young-winner Max Scherzer takes the mound and he’s having another great season with a 16-6 record and 2.13 earned runs average. But Phillies’ starter Aaron Nola has been equally impressive. The 25-year-old right-hander also has a 2.13 earned runs average but an even better record at 15-3. He’s won four straight starts while allowing a combined three runs.
Current Standings: Keefer (8-4, $11,168), Grimala 6-3, $10,300), Granger (4-0, $10,255), Brewer (3-6, $7,500)