The Philadelphia Phillies begin a six-game road trip tonight with a World Series rematch against the Houston Astros at 8:10 EST.

Starting Pitchers

• Aaron Nola (1-2, 5.40 ERA)
• Framber Valdez (2-2, 2.25 ERA)

Sorry to remind everyone, but the last time the Phillies were in Houston was on November 5th for Game 6 of the 2022 World Series. If I have to relive the pain while writing you a preview for tonight’s game, then we all suffer together. Rules are rules. 

The Phillies are coming off two gutsy wins vs. the Seattle Mariners that included a 6-5 come-from-behind win on Wednesday night and a 1-0 win on Thursday afternoon powered by a Matt Strahm/bullpen masterclass.

Winners of seven out of their last ten, the Fightins come into this game right at the .500 level (13-13), the first time they’ve been a .500 team since their 0-0 record to start the season.

The Astros will look a little different tonight than they did back in November.

Second-baseman Jose Altuve is still nursing his thumb fracture from the World Baseball Classic, while Yordan Alvarez will miss his fourth consecutive game with neck stiffness.

The Houston Astros are currently 14-11 on the season, tied atop the American League West standings with the red-hot Texas Rangers. Kyle Tucker continues to lead the team in OBP, while Mauricio Dubon has flashed, hitting .330 on the year with 29 hits.

Tonight’s Game is Strictly on AppleTV+

A World Series rematch…on a Friday night…with two aces pitching…and you put the game on AppleTV+?

Major League Baseball really made a bad decision with this one tonight and the whole AppleTV thing in general.

It’s Friday night. There’s a great baseball game on television and it’s very rare to be able to go out to your local bar or restaurant and find someone with an AppleTV+ hookup to watch the game. Why the MLB or anyone involved doesn’t realize that is beyond me. Save AppleTV+ games for day games or early Sunday morning games.

It’s simply unacceptable for a Friday night game. 

Here’s the link to tonight’s game >>

Mattress Mack to Throw First Pitch

Hopefully, AppleTV+ doesn’t show this because nobody truly wants to see this dude’s face on their television.

Astros Starting Lineup

Aaron Nola vs. Framber Valdez

Aaron Nola will make his sixth start of the season tonight, looking to capitalize on a great outing vs. Colorado. Nola got roughed up in the first inning but threw fantastic for six additional innings, allowing just one hit while striking out three. Nola holds a 1-2 record on the season with a 5.40 ERA and 22 strikeouts.

Framber Valdez has been great to start the season, logging a 2-2 record with a 2.25 ERA and 34 strikeouts in five outings. His last outing was his worst when it comes to runs, allowing three earned to the Atlanta Braves while striking out nine batters.

Phillies Starting Lineup

The Christian Pache over Jake Cave move is great for tonight with a lefty on the mound, but playing Josh Harrison over Brandon Marsh isn’t sitting right with me, no matter the pitcher.

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Phillies @ Houston Astros – 8:10 EST

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Prediction

If there’s a game the Phillies win in this series, I believe it’s going to be tonight. The emotions are going to be high, and I think the Phillies are coming into this game pissed off and determined. Keep an eye out for Nick Castellanos and a potential Kyle Schwarber HR.

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