After seemingly righting the ship against the LA Dodgers, the Philadelphia Phillies fell back to earth, losing two consecutive series against the San Diego Padres and LA Dodgers, respectively. This makes their upcoming four-game series against the hated Atlanta Braves that much more significant. As Game 1 approaches, it’s time to look at the Phillies‘ early betting numbers and predictions for the first of this series of four.
A Wild End to the Series
The Phillies may have lost the series against the LA Dodgers, but yesterday provided the team with a moment that may shift momentum in their favor coming into this series. Yesterday’s game was a hard-fought, low-scoring affair that went to extra innings. After allowing a run in the top of the tenth, the Phils needed some magic to come away with the win, and that’s exactly what happened.
Typically, the Phils are the victims of a booted ball, well, not yesterday. On a softly hit ground ball hit, Dodgers second baseman Max Muncy booted a ball that was hit directly at him. This allowed Garrett Stubbs to score from third, and the electric Roman Quinn rushed home, dodging the tag and securing the victory for Philadelphia.
Hopefully the Phillies can turn this type of momentum into a strong start against the Atlanta Braves.
Probable Pitchers
Game 1: Zack Wheeler RHP (2-3, 3.49 ERA) vs Tucker Davidson LHP (1-0, 5.87 ERA)
The Phillies will start the series with their very best on the mound. After an unfortunate start to the 2022 campaign, Zack Wheeler has returned to form, boasting a record of 2-0 with a 1.04 ERA and 30 strikeouts over his last four outings. Philadelphia will need him in peak form to start the series off on the right foot.
Tucker Davidson, meanwhile, will have his work cut out for him facing this stack Phillies offense. The 26-year-old left-hander has made two appearances so far this season, and while he’s coming off of five impressive shutout innings against the Milwaukee Brewers, he finds himself on the fringe of the Braves’ rotation. All of the pressure will be on Davidson’s shoulders, and that should play right into the Phillies’ hands.
Betting Preview
The Phillies open up the series as 1.5 run favorites for Game 1. That’s not overly surprising considering who will be taking the mound for the two teams. The Moneyline looks to be the safest bet here, while the spread is certainly in the realm of possibility.
The over/under (or o/u) for the game is currently set at eight. Considering the Phillies’ offense as of late (no more than four runs in their last seven games) and the Braves’ eight ranked Bullpen (4.29 ERA), it may be wise to pursue the under, or perhaps avoid the o/u altogether.
