The Philadelphia Phillies continue their final August homestand tonight as the St. Louis Cardinals come to South Philadelphia for a three game weekend series. 

The Phillies are fresh off taking 2 of 3 from the San Francisco Giants. On the season, they are 68-58 and in second place in the NL East standings, just 13.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves. 

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As it’s been since really the start of the 2023 season, the Hunt for Red October lies within the National League Wildcard. The Phillies currently hold a 2.5 game advantage in the first Wild Card spot, with the Chicago Cubs in second and the Arizona Diamondbacks in third. 

Phillies Hunt for Red October

Jean Segura ruined the Cardinals and they still haven’t recovered

The St. Louis Cardinals will arrive at Citizens Bank Park as arguably the most disappointing team in Major League Baseball this season. Honestly, this team still hasn’t recovered since Jean Segura stole their souls during the 2022 Wild Card series.

The Cardinals avoided a sweep in Pittsburgh on Wednesday afternoon and will enter tonight a miserable 56-72 on the season. They are in last place in the NL Central. 

Starting Pitchers: Cardinals vs Phillies

• Miles Mikolas (6-9, 4.55 ERA) vs Cristopher Sanchez (1-3, 3.36 ERA)

• Dakota Hudson (5-0, 3.95 ERA) vs Zack Wheeler (9-6, 3.70 ERA)

• Drew Rom (0-1, 14.73 ERA) vs Aaron Nola (11-8, 4.49 ERA)

Miles Mikolas is on the mound tonight, making his 28th start of the season. He’s 6-9 on the season with a 4.55 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. In his last outing, he took a loss at home agains the New York Mets. Mikolas lasted just 4.2 innings, allowing seven runs on seven hits with two walks and four strikeouts. The Cardinals lost that game to the Mets 13-2. 

Cristopher Sanchez will make his 13th start of the season. He’s 1-3 with a 3.36 ERA and a 1.026 WHIP. He earned a no decision in his last start against the Washington Nationals, tossing six solid innings while allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits, striking out five. 

Bryce Harper is BACK, Phillies clicking on all cylinders

With 35 games left in the 2023 regular season, Harper returning to form while players like Trea Turner and Nick Castellanos having incredible August months, the Phillies are clicking on all cylinders and all things considered, should have an easy weekend against a bad Cardinals team.

With 35 games left in the 2023 regular season, Bryce Harper returning to form while players like Trea Turner and Nick Castellanos having incredible August months, the Phillies are clicking on all cylinders and all things considered, should have an easy weekend against a bad Cardinals team.

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Heat Check: Harper hit his third home run in his last three games on Wednesday night against the Giants. He’s homered in five out of the last seven. Over the last 16 games, Harper is batting .345 with five doubles, seven home runs, 15 RBIs and a 1.228 OPS. 

Sweep The Cards

At least for this season, the St. Louis Cardinals don’t have any business winning baseball games in late August. Mikolas has been BRUTAL over his last five starts. He’s 0-4 with a 5.61 ERA in that span over 25.2 innings. 

Phillies are clicking and continue to play well at Citizens Bank Park. They are 36-25 on the season and have come alive at the plate.

Expect that to continue this weekend.

A sweep of the Cards before closing out August at home against the Los Angeles Angels would make everyone’s blood pressure much more manageable heading into September. 

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