Sean O’Sullivan (0-2, 5.06 ERA) and Josh Collmenter (3-4, 5.27 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies (15-23) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (15-20) at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won the last game 7-5 and Philadelphia leads the series 2-0. Action begins at 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 17 and can be seen on CSN-PHI and FSN-AZ.
O’Sullivan pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs, striking out two and walking one in a 7-2 defeat to the Pirates. Ryan Howard (.238, 11 Rs, 7 HRs, 18 RBIs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run and one RBI. Collmenter is 1-2 with a 5.33 ERA against the Phillies in his career. He takes on a below-average Philadelphia offense that’s batting just .236. Paul Goldschmidt (.341, 29 Rs, 10 HRs, 32 RBIs, 6 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Arizona is a slim -115 favorite over Philadelphia. According to the oddsmakers, the Over/Under (O/U) is currently eight runs. The Phillies have recorded an overall money line of -600 and have shown a weak performance as an underdog this season with a record of 13-21. Philadelphia’s batters do not strike out very often, with only 6.9 per game.
In games where it is the favorite, Arizona has a 6-5 record and an overall money line of -223. Offensively, they average 4.8 runs per game, which is good for third in the NL. The Diamondbacks are tough outs for opponents, leading the NL with 9.5 hits per game. Arizona is excellent at not striking out with just 7.5 per game, ranking fifth in the NL. Arizona’s pitching staff is one of the top in the NL at pitching on the road, with a 3.77 ERA. When it comes to issuing walks on the road, the Diamondbacks have the second-fewest in the NL with an average of just 2.5 walks allowed per game.
The Phillies have the edge in the season series, 2-0. The Phillies have a bad 10-20 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Collmenter takes the mound. O’Sullivan (RHP) will be on the hill against the Diamondbacks, who have an 11-14 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – ARI, O/U – Under
Notes
Philadelphia has won 38% (8-13) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Arizona has won 67% (8-4) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Diamondbacks managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Phillies who are heading in with a 4-5 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Diamondbacks are 3-14. The Phillies have a 4-18 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 30th in home runs, Philadelphia has hit 20 this season. Arizona ranks 17th with 33 home runs.
Ranking first in hits, Arizona has earned 9.50 per game this season. Philadelphia ranks 13th with 7.65 hits.
Ranking 30th, Philadelphia is at the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.632). Arizona ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .737.
When the Diamondbacks allow at least one home run, they are 7-15, well-matched with the Phillies who are 6-16 when allowing at least one homer.
