Jake Thompson (1-1, 8.68 ERA) and Scott Kazmir (9-6, 4.44 ERA) are on the hill in the second of a three-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies (56-64) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (66-52) at Citizens Bank Park. The Dodgers won the last game 15-5, and Los Angeles leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 17 and can be seen on CSPh and SNLA.
Thompson pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs, striking out six and walking three in a 10-6 win over the Rockies. Ryan Howard (.197, 28 Rs, 18 HRs, 42 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. Kazmir went 6.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out six and walking three in a 6-2 defeat to the Phillies in his last outing. Corey Seager (.307, 75 Rs, 21 HRs, 56 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 6 yesterday with one run.
Los Angeles takes on Philadelphia as a -170 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at nine runs. The Phillies have an overall money line of +812 and a record as the underdog of 38-50. The Phillies have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 5.6 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 3.8 runs per game.
Over in the other dugout, in contrast to a worrisome overall money line (-376), Los Angeles has an impressive 58-33 record when playing as the favorite. The Dodgers allow just 3.9 runs per game, ranking them fourth in the NL. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Dodgers are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.152 for the season. The Dodgers have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 9.4 strikeouts per game.
The Dodgers lead the season series, 3-1. The Phillies have a 14-13 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Kazmir takes the mound. Thompson (RHP) will be on the hill against the Dodgers, who have a 51-38 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD, O/U – Over
Notes
Philadelphia has won 49% (28-29) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Los Angeles has won 57% (25-19) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Dodgers are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Phillies have a 10-29 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Dodgers are 50-15. The Phillies have a 36-6 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 28th in runs, Philadelphia has earned 459 this season. Los Angeles ranks 14th with 531 runs.
Ranking 28th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 305 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 385.
When the Phillies hit at least one home run, they are 47-34. When the Dodgers hit at least one homer, they have a 50-27 record.
