Phillies Preview: Aaron Nola takes on Max Scherzer in a matinee pitchers duel
Rubber Match – The Phillies look to take two of three from the New York Mets today at 1:05 EST.
The Phillies let one slip away last night against the Mets as their bats went silent, losing 2-0. Zack Wheeler made his season debut, throwing 4.2 innings in the loss. At the plate, the Phillies combined for just five hits in the game, with four coming from Nick Castellanos and JT Realmuto.
Today’s rubber match should be an afternoon pitching duel between the Mets and Phillies. History hasn’t been too kind to the Fightins against Scherzer in the past. The Phillies are just 5-20 against Scherzer in his career. In Nola-Scherzer pitching matchups, they are just 1-4.
Phillies need to hit fastballs
Scherzer will be throwing his fastball A LOT today and the Phillies need to capitalize on it. We haven’t seen that over the past few games and today will be the perfect opportunity to bust out of the short but noticeable funk.
2021 Slugging Leaders
- (1st) Bryce Harper – .615 SLG
- (5th) Nick Castellanos – .576 SLG
- (10th) Kyle Schwarber- .554 SLG
Since the start of 2021 (Min. 150 PA) vs Four-Seam, Sinker, Cutter
- Bryce Harper – .699 SLG
- Nick Castellanos – .675 SLG
- Kyle Schwarber – .664 SLG
#DingersOnly is the Phillies rally cry and they need to start hitting fastballs. Again, we’re only five games into the 2022 MLB season and the weather hasn’t been ideal, but taking 2-of-3 from the Mets to get things moving early this year with Harper, Casty, and Schwarbs setting the tone would be more than ideal for the Phillies.
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Game 3 Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
| Phillies | +1.5 (-200) | -116 | O8.5 (-114) |
| Mets | -1.5 (+172) | +100 | U8.5 (-106) |
No Runs First Inning
Checking in with NRFI Nation, the Mets/Phillies NRFI is currently -135 on BetMGM.
Today’s Phillies Starting Lineup
Rhys Hoskins will get the day off with Johan Camargo heading over to first base. Much like the rest of the Phillies, Hoskins doesn’t have too much success against Scherzer, batting just .043 with 12 strikeouts in 23 at-bats.
Series Finale Prediction
The Phillies’ offense was horrible yesterday, and it’s going to be a tough day to get it back vs Scherzer. The pitching duel highlights the game, but the Phils take it in the end.
I’m going against the trends and taking Phillies ML -116 and the OVER 8.5 (-114). For whatever reason, the Phillies tend to show up when everyone thinks they will do the opposite.
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Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline
