In the last of a three-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies (5-10) and the Miami Marlins (5-10) at Citizens Bank Park, Sean O’Sullivan (0-1, 4.91 ERA) and David Phelps (0-0, 7.94 ERA) take the mound. The Marlins won the last game 6-1 and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 1:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 23 and will air on CSN-PHI.
In his last start, O’Sullivan pitched 5.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out two and walking two in a 7-2 loss to the Nationals. Cody Asche (.340, 4 Rs, 2 HRs, 3 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Marlins were unsuccessful the last time Phelps pitched. He tossed, going 4.2 innings, allowing one run, striking out two and walking three in a 4-1 loss to the Mets. Dee Gordon (.375, 9 Rs, 9 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run.
Philadelphia is a small underdog (+104) and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at eight runs. The Phillies have a losing record of 5-8 when playing as the underdog and an overall money line of -261. They are 3-7 as the underdog over their last 10 games. The have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out at Citizens Bank Park, averaging 8.9 strikeouts per home game.
Moving on to the opposing team, the Marlins come into this game with a weak win percentage of 3-6 when playing as the favorite (.333) and an overall money line of -955. Against divisional opponents, they are 2-9 SU and have played poorly as the favorite with a 2-4 record. They also average just 7.4 hits allowed per road game, fourth-best in the NL.
The Phillies will take on a right-hander (Phelps) in this game. They have struggled against right-handed starting pitchers this season, going 4-8. The right-handed O’Sullivan will take the mound against the Marlins, who have a 2-10 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – MIA, O/U – Under
Notes
While the Marlins have never recorded more than a single error in a game this season, the Phillies just recorded their fifth instance of two or more errors following their latest outing.
The Marlins are 1-0 in games that go into extra innings. Meanwhile, the Phillies are 1-1 in such matchups.
The Marlins are coming into this game after allowing zero walks during their last outing. The Phillies have a 0-2 record when opponents give up that many walks.
When they outhit their opponents, the Marlins are 4-4. The Phillies have a 3-1 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 30th in runs, Philadelphia has earned 40 this season. Miami ranks 17th with 59 runs.
Ranking 23rd, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 37 this season. Miami ranks in the bottom half at 16th with 43.
When the Phillies hit at least one home run, they are 2-3. When the Marlins hit at least one homer, they have a 1-5 record.
