Can the Phillies defeat the Mariners twice in a row at Safeco Field? The answer is a resounding no and I'm willing to lay 1 1/2 runs to back this opinion.

Philadelphia is the worst team in the majors. A big reason for this is the Phillies' inability to win on the road. Going back to last season, Philadelphia is a hidieous 12-40 during its last 52 away contests - and that includes beating Seattle last night.

The Mariners have won 18 of their last 29 games while averaging more than six runs per game during this span. They have far too much offense for Mark Leiter Jr., who is set to make his second big league start here. Leiter is a converted reliever, who had a 4.74 ERA in 19 innings. This included giving up 14 walks in 19 innings.

Seattle starter Felix Hernandez looked good in his return from the DL this past Friday. He beat the Astros giving up three runs in six innings. Now he steps down from the best team to the worst team. The Mariners have won nine of Hernandez's last 11 home starts.