In the first of a three-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies (57-65) and the St. Louis Cardinals (64-56) at Citizens Bank Park, Adam Morgan (1-7, 6.62 ERA) and Adam Wainwright (9-7, 4.72 ERA) take the mound. The game gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 19 and will air on CSPh and FSMW.
In his last start, Morgan pitched 3.0 innings, allowing two runs and walking one in a 7-6 victory over the Rockies. Maikel Franco (.249, 52 Rs, 22 HRs, 71 RBIs, 1 SB) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. The Cardinals were unsuccessful the last time Wainwright pitched. He struggled, going 2.0 innings, giving up seven runs, striking out two and walking three in a 13-2 loss to the Cubs. Brandon Moss (.267, 51 Rs, 22 HRs, 54 RBIs, 1 SB) has been doing well offensively for the Cardinals, going 2 for 5 Wednesday with one run, one home run, and three RBIs.
Philadelphia is a +155 underdog in this game, and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at nine runs. The Phillies are 38-52 as the underdog and have an overall money line of +612. Philadelphia has averaged 5.6 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 3.8. Below average play has been the norm lately for the Philadelphia pitchers. The Phillies have given up an average of 7.1 runs to opponents in their last 10 games, above their season average of 4.7 runs per game.
On the other side, the Cardinals have a record of 43-36 when they are favored and are -29 overall with the money line. They sport the top-ranked offense in the NL, averaging five runs per game. The Cardinals are known for their bats, hitting 423 extra base hits. Switching gears to St. Louis’s pitching staff, they allow just 2.8 walks per game, good for fifth in the NL.
The Cardinals are 3-1 against the Phillies this season. The Phillies will take on a right-hander (Wainwright) in this game and have a 42-51 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The left-handed Morgan will take the mound against the Cardinals, who have a 16-20 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – STL, O/U – Over
Notes
The Phillies are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Cardinals have a 15-26 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Cardinals are 13-49. The Phillies have a 14-52 record when opponents outhit them.
Philadelphia ranks near the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 124 this season. St. Louis ranks in the top five at third with 166.
Ranking 13th, Philadelphia is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.08 per game. St. Louis ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 8.80.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.689). St. Louis ranks in the top five with an OPS of .775.
When the Cardinals allow at least one home run, they are 34-36. When the Phillies allow one or more homers, they have a 25-51 record.
