The Philadelphia Phillies have struggled when in San Francisco as of late and this past week was no exception. Their red-hot win streak came to a crushing close with the Phils suffering a series sweep at the hands of the Giants. Next up on their schedule is a series against the Chicago Cubs.
Phillies vs Cubs Info
Date: Friday, May 19th
Time: 7:05 p.m. ET
Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
TV channel: MLB TV, NBCSP
Phillies vs Cubs Betting odds
Money line: Philadelphia Phillies (-135) | Chicago Cubs (+115)
Run Line: Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 (+155) | Chicago Cubs +1.5 (-180)
Run total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)
Pitching matchup
Ranger Suarez (0-0, 6.75 ERA) vs Marcus Stroman (2-4, 3.24 ERA)
Ranger Suarez returns to the mound in hopes of making up for lost time. The Venezuelan was an integral part of last year’s the squad that made the World Series, with the Phils going 17-12 in games he pitched. Hopes of momentum carrying into 2023 were dashed when he picked up an elbow injury at the World Baseball Classic, but if there’s ever a time to make a return, it’s on the back of a trio of defeats to the Giants.
Suarez pitched against the Rockies, allowing 7 hits and 3 runs in 4 innings. The Phils will be hoping to see more of the man who pitched a 3.65 ERA last year.
On the other side of things will be Marcus Stroman, giving Suarez a formidable opponent, but not an invincible one. Stroman gave up 6 runs in his most recent start, with the Twins lighting him up for 7 hits and one home run. He’ll now have to contain a Phillies offense that can be just as explosive.
Phillies vs Cubs Betting preview
This game has the potential to be a real test for both teams. This is a clash of two great pitchers and two high-powered offenses. Chicago ranks 8th when it comes to slugging, while the Phils sit just two spots back. The Cubs rank 4th in batting average while the Phils rank 7th. The Cubs rank 3rd in hits per game, the Phils rank 7th.
Where the difference really lies is in pitching support. The Phillies rank 23rd in ERA going into this one while the Cubs sit 15th. The Phillies have struggled to get batters off the plate this season, ranking 29th in outs per game, while the Cubs also sit 15th there.
With Ranger Suarez potentially still displaying some early rust, this doesn’t exactly feel like the most winnable matchup for a Phillies side that has been just as wobbly when it comes to fielding as it has closing out games.
The Cubs on the moneyline feels like the logical bet here. It’s also worth noting that Chicago is 5-1 after a day off, while the Phils are 4-4. If Stroman can just keep the Phillies quiet long enough for the Cubs to wear down Suarez, this game should be there for the taking.
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AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
