That went well. The Philadelphia Phillies started off this crucial series against the Cubs with a dud.
It wasn’t for the want of trying. Zack Wheeler was at his best, allowing 1 run through 5 innings, and even Connor Brogdon, who pitched 2 innings and allowed the winning run, wasn’t awful. The Phils only managed 5 hits on the night which was just never going to get it done regardless of who the opposition was.
Something has to change tonight.
Pitching matchup
Aaron Nola (10-12, 3.28 ERA) vs Hayden Wesneski (2-1, 2.45 ERA)
If last night’s game was intense, this promises to be even more so. The Brewers luckily lost last night, gifting the Phillies a lifeline, but now Aaron Nola faces a rookie pitcher with the world at his feet. In his last start, Wesneski became the first Cubs pitcher to put together an immaculate inning since LaTroy Hawkins back in 2004.
To say that the pressure is going to be on the Phils bats as Wesneski looks to build on hid last performance is an understatement. He knows that every at-bat is crucial for Philadelphia and that is likely going to be something he can work with.
Expect strikeouts, expect a low hit-rate, and make sure to settle in for what promises to be a memorable pitching duel with the stakes being incredibly high for Philadelphia.
Phillies vs Cubs betting preview
The Phillies were bailed out by the Brewers last night and it’s just as well. They appeared to save all of their bullpen arms knowing what could come down the road and taking a 2-1 loss may not matter if they can win the next two games convincingly.
The odds favor the Phils at -190 and you just can’t really bet against them. Wesneski may be a rookie who’s pitching lights out, but he’s facing one of the top offenses in the league tonight, and if the moment does get a little too big for him, then the floodgates are bound to open.
For better or worse, I’m backing the Phillies. If you want to do the same, you can get a FREE $100 bet by signing up to DraftKings here
AP Photo/Jeff Chiu