The Phillies are back in action tonight in the first of a two-game series against the Atlanta Braves, with the first pitch taking place at 7:20 PM EST.
When the two last met, the Phillies won two of the three-game set which then sparked a sweep of the Pirates. They’re now 7 games back from Atlanta and while the Wildcard spot has to be the aim, there is still every chance that they can make up some ground and put the pressure on with a sweep here. However, it’s worth noting that the Braves do have five games in hand.
Both teams are 6-4 in their last 10, with the Braves coming off of a three-game sweep over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Pitching matchup
Nick Nelson (3-1, 3.94 ERA) vs Spencer Strider (5-3, 2.91 ERA)
Nick Nelson heads to the mound for what looks like a conservative effort from both teams. Nelson had a really strong month of July, but is 0-1 against the Braves over three relief spots, giving up a 5.40 ERA.
Strider, meanwhile, beat the Phillies last Tuesday and is actually 2-0 against them. The Phils offense was really dry and with guys like Alec Bohm and Kyle Schwarber firing on all cylinders, this could be a very different result.
Betting preview
The Phils are obvious underdogs going into tonight, but I think there’s value on the +1.5 underdog line. You’re still getting the Phillies at +100 along with a 1.5-run cushion. A $100 bet on the Phillies to stay within 1.5 runs of the Braves would net a $200 return.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar