This is a 1* FREE PLAY on the Philadelphia Phillies.

"Momentum" is a very real, almost tangible factor in sports and it's one that I've always felt that the oddsmakers have had a hard time properly quantifying into a line.

I gave out a free play on the Phillies here in yesterday's series opener and they delivered as a short +115 dog. Now they're a slight favorite, but I still think they're well worth the price of admission in this matchup.

The Phillies' own the second Wild card spot in the Senior Circuit, and they're off a weekend sweep of the Nationals. I say this momentum continues here.

Kyle Gibson is 9-6 with a 4.57 ERA for the Phillies. Philadelphia is 15-12 this year when he starts. He's lasted into the sixth inning 14 times this season.

Granted, Gibson has been better at home than on the road, but a date against the Marlins is just what the doctor ordered. Gibson is 1-2 with a 3.64 ERA in five starts vs. the Fish this season.

Miami counters with Edward Cabrera, who is 5-2 with a 2.63 ERA. He blanked the Phillies in his lone start vs. them in mid-August, throwing 5 2/3's scoreless innings. His ERA does rise to 4.22 in four starts at home this season though.

The Marlins used their 56th player of the year on Tuesday. Third baseman Jordan Groshans made his debut and went 0-for-3.

I think that Gibson can take advantage of this inexperienced Marlins line-up and as I said off the top, I believe that the "momentum" that the Phillies have created, carries over at least one more night.

Consider PHILADELPHIA on Wednesday night.

Good luck, NP