After dropping the first of this two-game series 6-4 yesterday, the Phillies are back to try and draw even with the Texas Rangers. Here’s all you need to know.
Game one
This one got off to a flying start, with five runs being scored in the opening inning. Mitch Garver scored a two-run homer before Rhys Hoskins responded to tie things up. The Phils ended the inning with a 3-2 lead, but things settled before trending downward.
An Alech Bohm error in the sixth pushed momentum back in favor of Texas and despite a push from J.T Realmuto, the Phils were unable to undo Brock Burke, who was excellent in relief of John Gray, who was predictably punished early.
Pitching matchup
Martín Perez vs. Zack Wheeler
Perez is 0-2 with a 3.00 ERA in his four starts and has had some trouble early getting deep into games. He’s only gone four innings in both starts so far, which doesn’t bode well considering how wobbly Gray was in the first game. However, he followed those starts with a six-inning start in which he allowed two hits. He then went seven allowing another two hits and an earned run. If the Phillies get the Perez from his last two starts, they could be in some trouble.
Zack Wheeler has not been Zack Wheeler by anyone’s standards through his first three starts. He showed some improvement in his previous start against Colorado, but there is still work to do. His 5.79 ERA was much higher before then and he hadn’t won a ball game before that. The Phillies need Zack Wheeler to be Zack Wheeler from 2021 in this game and for the remainder of the season if they want to get anywhere.
Betting information
The Phils are favored -160 to win this matchup. Our writer, Matt Watson, has looked into the crystal ball and feels strongly about a hit for Jean Segura. He has 5 hits and 2 runs over his last 7 games and had a hit in the first game against Texas. His over is 0.5 hits yields a +650 return.
Cody Glenn/Icon Sportswire
