James Shields (8-4, 3.74 ERA) and the San Diego Padres (52-57) meet Aaron Nola (2-1, 3.38 ERA) and the Philadelphia Phillies (42-67) in the first of a three-game series at Petco Park. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 7 and will air on CSPh and FSSD.
In his most recent outing, Shields pitched 6.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out four and walking two in a 5-2 loss to the Marlins. The Phillies were victorious over the Braves 12-2 the last time Nola pitched. He went 5.0 innings, giving up two runs and striking out three. Maikel Franco (.286, 42 Rs, 12 HRs, 47 RBIs, 1 SB) has been doing well offensively for the Phillies, going 2 for 3 yesterday with two runs and two RBIs.
San Diego is a -169 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at six runs. When playing as the favorite, the Padres have a 26-20 record and overall money line at -368. They have SU record of 6-4 and are unbeaten as the favorite (1-0) over their last 10 games. San Diego has averaged 5.2 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 4.0.
On the other side, the Phillies have a subpar record of 37-59 when they are the underdog and are -742 overall with the money line. They have played at the top of their game when rated as the underdog as of late. They managed a 6-2 record when playing as the underdog and an SU record of 7-3. During the last 10 games, they averaged 5.7 runs per game, above their 3.7 season average. Philadelphia’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 3.3 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 4.8.
The Padres will take on a right-hander (Nola) in this game and have a 40-46 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Shields will take the mound against the Phillies, who have a 32-51 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – SD, O/U – Over
Notes
Having scored one run in their last game, the Padres are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Phillies have an 11-3 record in games where opponents scored that many runs or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Padres are 9-42. The Phillies have a 13-53 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 29th in home runs, Philadelphia has hit 75 this season. San Diego ranks 18th with 95 home runs.
Ranking 13th, San Diego is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.15 per game. Philadelphia ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 8.59.
Ranking 30th, San Diego is at the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.670). Philadelphia ranks near the bottom at 26th with an OPS of .681.
When the Phillies allow at least one home run, they are 20-47. When the Padres allow one or more homers, they have a 29-39 record.
