The Philadelphia Phillies are back in action later today as they kick off a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. With an explosive weekend in the rear view mirror, can they kick back into gear on the 4th of July?
Phillies vs Rays info
Date: Tuesday, July 4th
Time: 4:10PM ET
Location: Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay
TV channel: MLB TV
Phillies vs Rays Betting odds
Money line: Philadelphia Phillies (+120) | Tampa Ba Rays (-140)
Run Line: Philadelphia Phillies +1.5 (-170) | Tampa Bay Rays -1.5 (-145)
Run total: Over/Under 8 (-110)
Pitching matchup
Aaron Nola (7-5, 4.51 ERA) vs Zach Eflin (9-3, 3.29 ERA)
The two former Phillies teammates will lock horns this evening in what promises to be a really exciting matchup. Eflin had a great month of June, posting a 3.26 ERA, giving up 11 runs over his last 4 games, at least showing some level of vulnerability in what has otherwise been a stellar breakaway campaign.
Nola’s season has been up and down. He’s given up 17 runs over his last 5 but has struck out 37 batters in that span. Eflin has struck out 34 over his last span, potentially leading us to what could be a very low-scoring game if both batters are able to stay clinical at the mound.
Phillies vs Rays Betting preview
This will be a real test for Aaron Nola. Where the Rays and Phils differ is in offensive efficiency. Tampa Bay ranks second in runs scored, home runs, AND slugging. Led by Yandy Diaz and his stunning .312 batting percentage, the Rays have ripped through the best the MLB has to offer this season, and we all know that Aaron Nola is prone to the occasional day of misfires.
My bet for tonight is a contrarian one – betting the over. With two great pitchers, we see a low total of 8. However, the Phillies and Rays have both been electric over the past month. They rank 3rd and 4th in runs per game over their last 3, and Tampa Bay is averaging 5.86 per game at home. I like the over here, especially if Nola is a little slower than usual.
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AP Photo/Matt Rourke
