Series Preview: Phillies hit the turnpike to PNC Park for a 4-game weekend series against the Pirates
The Phillies kick off a 4-game series against the Pirates tonight at 7:05 EST. Zack Wheeler (8-5, 2.78 ERA) takes the hill for the Phils, going up against Zach Thompson (3-7, 4.64 ERA) in Game 1.
The Battle of PA takes place after a big series win for the Phils following a dominant 7-2 win on Wednesday night. The Phillies popped off for 5 runs in the bottom of the 5th and 2 runs in the 6th, totaling 10 hits on the game, and 2 RBIs from both Alec Bohm and JT Realmuto.
Read more: Alec Bohm and JT Realmuto have been on a tear >>
The Phillies now sit at 51-47 on the year, trailing the St. Louis Cardinals by just a half of a game in the NL Wild Card. The Pirates should be a pretty easy opponent for the Phillies, sitting at just 40-58 on the year and 14.5 games back of the central, with a -144 run differential.
The MLB Trade Deadline is just six days away, and the Phillies will have some important decisions to make. They’re in need of another starting pitcher and one more bullpen arm, and it seems like Dave Dombrowski won’t be sitting on his hands throughout the next week. Although he deemed the top prospects “untouchable”, that doesn’t mean the Phils’ roster won’t be different this time next week.
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Tonight’s +522 Parlay
Ladies and Gentlemen, I just need you to trust me on this one.
Series Pitching Matchups
- Thursday: Zack Wheeler vs Zach Thompson
- Friday: Bailey Falter vs Jose Quintana
- Saturday: Ranger Suarez vs Mitch Keller
- Sunday: Aaron Nola vs JT Brubaker
Zack Wheeler vs Zach Thompson
Phillies ace Zack Wheeler gets the ball for the Fightins tonight, making his 9th away start of the season. Wheeler has struggled on the road, holding a 3-3 record with a 4.50 ERA and 47 strikeouts. His last road start wasn’t a good one, as he allowed six earned runs in Toronto. He’ll be squaring off against Zach Thompson, who is 2-5 with a 4.75 ERA at PNC Park.
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Phillies Starting Lineup
Game 1 Odds (FanDuel)
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
| Phillies | -1.5 (-120) | -196 | O8 (-108) |
| Pirates | +1.5 (+100) | +164 | U8 (-112) |
Prediction
I think the Phils take advantage of a bad team this weekend. The offense goes off tonight. Take Phils -2.5.
- Series Prediction: Phils take 3 of 4
- Tonight’s Prediction: Phils win 8-2
- Series MVP: JT Realmuto
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