We have ourselves a first-timer today in the Red Sox and Phillies game. Red Sox first baseman Romy Gonzalez finds himself with the highest rating in this matchup on Batters-Box. The 28-year-old has not recorded a hit since July 9 against the Rockies. He has gone hitless in four straight games, and tonight feels like the perfect time to back him against Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez.
Gonzalez has been tearing up left-handers this season, owning a .378 average, .689 slugging percentage, and 1.123 OPS. On the road, his numbers stay consistent — still batting over .360 with an OPS above 1.070 and a 187 wRC+. He has only had 14 elite ratings over the last three seasons, but he has gone over this prop in seven of his nine elite ratings from this year.
Sanchez features three pitches: sinker, changeup, and slider. The sinker makes up 47% of his usage, but the changeup is his best pitch, which he throws 36% of the time. Gonzalez owns a .333 average, .881 OPS, and 147 wRC+ against changeups this season. Against the other two offerings, he is one of the best bats on the Red Sox roster — batting .323 or better, OPS of 1.000 or more, and a wRC+ above 183.
With how well Gonzalez matches up against Sanchez's pitch mix and considering Sanchez is allowing nearly 40% hard contact to opposing hitters this season, the Red Sox first baseman is a must-bet tonight — no matter where he is in the lineup. Look for him to snap this hitless streak in Philly.
Best Bet: Romy Gonzalez Over 1.5 Hits, Runs, RBI (+110) odds via BetOnline
