The Philadelphia Phillies shouldn’t count their cheesesteaks before they hatch, but the National League Divisional Series is off to a familiar start.
In 2022, against the vaunted Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia took Game 1 and won the series in four games. Now, the rivals split the first two games in Truist Park in a pitching duel featuring Zack Wheeler and Kyle Wright.
Tonight, Wright’s replaced by Max Fried, but Wheeler will return for a shot at redemption. A hairy sixth inning last season spoiled an otherwise flawless start by the Phillies’ ace.
But you didn’t click for a history lesson. If you allow me a victory lap, Game 1 made me look brilliant. I’m crossing my fingers tonight to create the absolute, can’t-miss parlay for Game 2. So always cite your sources and check for parlay boosts before hitting that big green button. Here we go.
Phillies vs Braves betting promos
Philadelphia Phillies v. Atlanta Braves – 3-Leg SGP for NLDS Game 2
LEG 1 – Zack Wheeler ‘K’nows how to ‘K’ill the Braves
Wheeler’s faced the Atlanta Braves thrice in 2023, and an average of 7.0 strikeouts per start doesn’t tell the whole story. When he met them at the end of May, Wheeler pitched arguably his most impressive game of the season, going 8.0 innings, striking out twelve, and allowing just five baserunners.
Then, he faced them in consecutive weeks in September, and the result was less than stellar. Across eleven total innings, Wheeler allowed seven earned runs and scattered nine strikeouts. His O/U of 5.5 strikeouts (+104) on Fanduel is more reflective of those performances.
The safe play will be fading the expectations of Vegas. We may be kicking ourselves when Wheeler K’s nine, but this will be the foundation of our Phillies vs Braves parlay.
Zack Wheeler 5+ Strikeouts (-215 on FanDuel)
LEG 2 – Ronald Acuña Jr. – sorry Philly fans
The Phillies managed to keep Ronald Acuña Jr. at bay in Game 1; he’s still the scariest hitter in this Braves lineup. For his career, Acuña Jr. has recorded eight extra-base hits against Wheeler, including a home run and double against him in 2023.
I know Philadelphia fans won’t like this one, but we can’t keep our heads in the sand and pretend the regular season’s most electric offense won’t get going at some point. With 5.85 runs per game, the Braves are going to score. You need to hope the Phillies can keep up.
Ronald Acuña Jr. to record 2+ bases (-120 on FanDuel)
LEG 3 – JTBCIB
We haven’t talked enough about J.T. Realmuto, and rightfully so. He hasn’t had the offensive season we’ve come to expect from the supposed BCIB.
Three career home runs (although the last was in 2021) have Realmuto’s career OPS against Fried ballooned to 1.026. We’re leaning on some historical data with just two at-bats against Fried in 2023, but I think we’re all ready for a ‘Realmuto game.’
You could talk me into swapping Realmuto with Trea Turner, who hit .367 against Fried, but you get a little more value on someone like Realmuto, who I think Vegas has forgotten about.
J.T. Realmuto to record 2+ bases (+160 on FanDuel)
3-LEG SGP – FINAL
Believe it or not, all three inconspicuous legs spit at +663 odds on FanDuel. That’s $10 to win $66.40. I will also be legging a Matt Olson–Kyle Schwarber home run parlay for the remainder of this series, so feel free to jump in.
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