Well, the first game of the second half of the season did not quite go the way the Phillies had planned, but with two games left in this against Chicago, the team still has time to turn things around. Philadelphia is coming off of a particularly embarrassing loss to the Chicago Cubs, as they were only able to muster up two runs to the Cubbies’ 15, but tonight could set the series straight.
The Pitchers Duel
Phillies: Zack Wheeler (8-5, 2.89 ERA)
Zack Wheeler takes the mound for Philadelphia as they look to redeem themselves after last night’s listless performance. Wheeler has been fantastic this season with a sub-three ERA and over 100 strikeouts. The Phillies have relied on Wheeler all season, and they will need him once again to help prevent the team from losing a series against the lowly Cubs.
Wheeler did get knocked around in his last outing against the Toronto Blue Jays, but there’s good reason to think that he’ll bounce back tonight.
Cubs: Marcus Stroman (2-5, 4.69 ERA)
Marcus Stroman has not had an easy season; there’s no other way to phrase it. The eight-year veteran has a record of 2-5, a reflection of his own season, sure, but he hasn’t had much help from his teammates this season. Stroman also missed some time due to right shoulder inflammation. Since returning from the Injured List on July ninth, Stroman has been solid, albeit in eighth innings between two games, having only given up one run in two outings.
If the Phillies can get to Stroman early and just make him uncomfortable, they should have control of this game nice and early.
Lineup Cards
Philadelphia
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Rhys Hoskins, 1B
- Nick Castellanos, RF
- Darick Hall, DH
- J.T. Realmuto, C
- Bryson Stott, 2B
- Didi Gregorius, SS
- Alec Bohm, 3B
- Odubel Herrera, CF
Chicago
- Rafael Ortega, CF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Ian Happ, LF
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Patrick Wisdom, DH
- Alfonso Rivas, 1B
- David Bote, 3B
- Chris Morel, 2B
Betting Preview
The Phillies walk into tonight’s game as 1.5-point favorites over the Cubs. Don’t expect them to take last night’s embarrassing loss lying down. Stroman has pitched well in his last two matchups, but with the starters back in the lineup, the bats should be alive and well (hopefully). Taking the Phillies’ spread looks to be a favorable deal, as does the over on the total.
Using any of the offers below, make your first bet risk-free, and whether the Phillies pull through or not, you’re covered.
