Runs may be hard to come by in this one as Vince Velasquez (3-1, 1.78 ERA) and the Philadelphia Phillies (14-10) meet Danny Salazar (2-1, 2.35 ERA) and the Cleveland Indians (10-11) in the last of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won the last game 4-3, extending a five-game winning streak. The game gets underway at 2:35 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 1 and will air on CSPh and STOh.
In his last start, Velasquez pitched 6.0 innings, giving up three runs, striking out four and walking three in a 4-3 victory over the Nationals. Odubel Herrera (.312, 15 Rs, 2 HRs, 9 RBIs, 4 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run. The Indians were unsuccessful the last time Salazar pitched. He went 4.2 innings, allowing three runs, striking out three and walking four in a 4-3 loss to the Twins. Tyler Naquin (.341, 8 Rs, 2 RBIs) has been doing well to start the season for the Indians, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Phillies have a 9-7 record SU against the American League. Over their past 10 games, Philadelphia’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. Philadelphia’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average.
When playing Teams in the National League, the Indians have a 12-10 record SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The Indians have racked up 19 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Cleveland pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0. They also average just 6.6 hits allowed per road game, second-best in the AL.
So far this season, the Phillies are 2-0 against the Indians.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE
Notes
Philadelphia has won 55% (6-5) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Cleveland has won 62% (5-3) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Indians are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded six strikeouts. The Phillies have a record of 3-2 when opponents’ pitchers have six strikeouts or less.
When they are outhit, the Indians are 1-6. The Phillies have a 4-8 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 23rd in home runs, Cleveland has hit 20 this season. Philadelphia ranks 19th with 21 home runs.
Ranking 25th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.58 per game. Cleveland ranks in the top half at 13th with 8.48.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.664). Cleveland ranks in the bottom half at 17th with an OPS of .709.
When the Indians allow at least one home run, they are 6-9, well-matched with the Phillies who are 5-8 when allowing at least one homer.
