Yankees Ride Hot Streak into Philly Looking to Complete Weekend Sweep

The Yankees rolled into Citizens Bank Park yesterday and promptly reminded Philadelphia who runs the AL East, taking a 3-1 decision to extend their stranglehold over the Phillies. Now they're hunting the sweep behind Will Warren, whose 4.00 ERA won't scare anyone but gets the nod against Cristopher Sánchez and his sparkling 2.65 mark.

On paper, Sánchez should tilt this one toward the home nine. But paper doesn't play defense, and the Yankees' team ERA sits a full run better than Philly's bloated 4.21 number. New York's pitching staff has been stingy all month, holding opponents to a .225 average while the Phillies leak base hits at a .253 clip. Factor in the Bronx Bombers' 7-3 recent tear and their ridiculous 7-2 road form, and you've got a team that travels better than most.

DarkHorse likes Yankees +1.5 here at moderate confidence—smart money when you're backing the hotter squad getting a cushion. Sánchez will keep it close early, but New York's bullpen depth and offensive consistency should keep them within striking distance all nine innings. The Phillies need to prove they belong on the same field before we lay juice on them at home. Fade the home crowd, ride the pinstripes.