Jimmy Nelson (9-9, 3.65 ERA) and Jerome Williams (4-8, 5.73 ERA) take the hill in the second of a three-game series between the Milwaukee Brewers (49-68) and the Philadelphia Phillies (46-70) at Miller Park. The Brewers won the last game 3-1 and Milwaukee leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 15 and can be seen on WCAU and FSWI.
Nelson pitched 7.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering four runs and striking out eight in a 5-4 defeat to the Cardinals. Williams went 7.0 innings, surrendering one run and striking out three in a 5-3 win over the Padres in his most recent start.
Milwaukee is a -173 favorite against Philadelphia and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Brewers have an overall money line of -1,945 and a record as the favorite of 20-24. Milwaukee is an impressive 3-1 as the favorite over its last 10 games.
As for their opponent, Philadelphia is coming in with an overall money line of -396 and a disappointing record of 41-62 as the underdog. The Phillies are tough outs for opponents, ranking fourth in the NL with 8.9 hits per road game.
The Brewers lead the season series, 5-0. The Brewers have a 35-55 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Williams takes the mound. Nelson (RHP) will be on the hill against the Phillies, who have a 36-54 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Mil, O/U – Over
Notes
The Brewers are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded five strikeouts. The Phillies have a record of 19-14 when opponents’ pitchers have that many strikeouts or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Brewers are 10-52. The Phillies have a 16-55 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 28th in home runs, Philadelphia has hit 83 this season. Milwaukee ranks 19th with 102 home runs.
Ranking 11th, Milwaukee is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.39 per game. Philadelphia ranks in the top five at fifth with 8.67.
Milwaukee and Philadelphia both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Milwaukee sits at 24th with an OPS of .693 and Philadelphia ranks 26th with an OPS of .682.
When the Phillies allow at least one home run, they are 21-50, well-matched with the Brewers who are 27-47 when allowing at least one homer.
