The Phillies are now 59-48 after slicing through the Nationals on three different occasions. If they can do so one more time, then they’ll not only complete the sweep, but move within five games of the Atlanta Braves. The race for that wildcard spot is well and truly on, and a Nola Day to end the week would be the perfect end to what has been a very solid week for the Phils.
The Phillies rallied to an 11-5 win against the Nats yesterday/ Rhys Hoskins, Matt Vierling, Bryson Stott, and J.T Realmuto were among the run-scorers, and it’s safe to say that Vierling made a statement with his three-run homer. It was also nice to see Realmuto inching back towards his best. He has four homers over his last two starts against the Nats but both players will be out of the lineup today.
Phillies vs Nationals Pitching matchup
Cory Abbot (0-0 1.00 ERA) vs Aaron Nola (7-8, 3.25 ERA)
Nola may only be 0-1 against the Nats this season, but he still put in two really strong outings and has been on the rise over the past few weeks. The Nationals have next to nobody left outside of Nelson Cruz and Luke Voit after trading Josh Bell and Juan Soto. The Phillies should be able to comfortably keep the Nats offense at bay on the back of their prized pitcher.
Betting preview
The Phillies are obvious favorites going into today’s matchup and although the odds might not be too enticing, it’s hard to really bet against them. They’ve shelled the Nats throughout this series and they now have a dominant pitching advantage. Betting the Phils -1.5 and the over may be the best way to find value here.
Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire
