NLCS Game 3: Ranger Suarez, Friday Night at The Bank, for all things holy
Philadelphia, I know Game 2 did not go as planned and we expected Aaron Nola to be able to survive the fifth inning and not allow the San Diego Padres to crawl out of the sewer and complete a comeback after being down 4-0 but that’s neither here nor there.
Hopefully yesterday’s day off and a nice 76ers loss paired with yet another horrible Taylor Swift album helped rid yourself of any and all Phillies doubt. If not, here’s a quick message for you to right the ship.
The first task was completed this week. Split the first two games of the NLCS in San Diego and get back to Philadelphia for the next three. A Zack Wheeler masterclass and a pair of home runs courtesy of Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber helped accomplish that goal in game one of the the NLCS.
We know what happened in Game 2. Thanks to the sun, the Phillies were able to jump on Blake Snell early and often and yes, we all expected Aaron Nola to hold a four run lead and go up 2-0. Unfortunately, Nola just didn’t have his best command and failed to keep any type of pitch down in the zone.
Now, the series is split 1-1. Ranger Suarez vs Joe Musgrove up next.
Ranger Suarez: For All Things Holy
Tonight is Game 3 at Citizens Bank Park and Ranger Suarez gets the nod. Suarez faced the Padres once in the regular season. He pitched 7.1 innings and allowed seven hits, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out three.
Opposing Suarez, will be Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove. On the year, the greasy-eared pitcher went 10-7 with a 2.93 ERA. Against the Phillies this season, much like Blake Snell, Musgrove got SHELLED. He allowed six runs on seven hits and a walk, while striking out just one Phillies’ batter.
Read More: Joe Musgrove is NOT a good pitcher >>
Phillies vs Joe Musgrove (2022)
- Kyle Schwarber: 1-3, HR, 2 RBI
- Rhys Hoskins: 0-2
- Bryce Harper: 1-3
- JT Realmuto: 1-3, 3 RBI
- Nick Castellanos: 1-3
- Alec Bohm: 0-2
- Jean Segura: 0-2
- Bryson Stott: 1-2
Padres @ Phillies – 7:37PM EST – Citizens Bank Park – Philadelphia, PA
| TEAM | SPREAD | MONEY | TOTAL |
| San Diego Padres | -1.5 (+142) | -116 | O 7.5 (-105) |
| Philadelphia Phillies | +1.5 (-172) | -102 | U 6.5 (-115) |
Postseason baseball at Citizens Bank Park is a completely different animal. Ranger Suarez was a little shaky in the NLDS against the Braves but I like him tonight returning back home and pitching well enough to keep the Phillies moving in the right direction.
It’s all about what happens at the plate. The Phillies need to get the offense moving at The Bank like they did in the two games against the Atlanta Braves. That will let the pitching staff fall into their own rhythm. Do that, and we’re dancing on our own in South Philadelphia tonight, with a game already scheduled for tomorrow and Sunday.
RING IT.
Prediction: Phillies ML -102 | O 7.5 (-105)
