In the last of a three-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies (56-65) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (67-52) at Citizens Bank Park, Jerad Eickhoff (8-12, 3.82 ERA) and Ross Stripling (3-4, 4.07 ERA) get the start. The Dodgers won the last game 7-2, and Los Angeles leads the series 2-0. The game gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 18 and will air on SNLA and TCN.
In his last start, Eickhoff pitched 5.2 innings, giving up three runs, striking out three and walking two in a 6-3 victory 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. The Dodgers were unsuccessful against the Pirates 5-1 the last time Stripling pitched. He went 7.0 innings, allowing five runs and striking out four. Corey Seager (.309, 77 Rs, 21 HRs, 56 RBIs, 1 SB) has been hitting the ball well for the Dodgers, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs.
Philadelphia, a +140 underdog, will look to capitalize at home against Los Angeles. Oddsmakers have set the Over/Under (O/U) at nine runs. The Phillies are 38-51 as the underdog and have an overall money line of +712. Philadelphia has averaged 5.9 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 3.8. Philadelphia’s pitching staff has fallen apart in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game rose to 6.8 during that span, compared to its 4.7 season average.
Moving on to the opposing team, the Dodgers come into this game in an interesting position. They have a negative money line (-276) but have won more than 60 percent of games played as the favorite (59-33). During the last 10 games, they averaged 5.8 runs per game, above their 4.5 season average. The Dodgers are one of the top pitching staffs in the NL, essentially shutting down opponents to the tune of 3.9 runs allowed per game. They have a WHIP of 1.155, second best in the MLB. The Los Angeles pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging an NL-best 9.4 strikeouts per game.
The Dodgers are 4-1 against the Phillies this season. This game will feature Stripling (RHP) on the mound against the Phillies, who have a 42-51 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Eickhoff will take the mound against the Dodgers, who have a 52-38 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD, O/U – Over
Notes
The Phillies managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Dodgers who are coming in with a 19-10 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
It looks like the Dodgers have a slight leg up on the Phillies, as the Dodgers have won their last two games while the Phillies have lost their last two.
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 461 this season. Los Angeles ranks 15th with 538 runs.
Ranking 28th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 308 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 390.
When the Phillies hit at least one home run, they are 47-35. When the Dodgers hit at least one homer, they have a 51-27 record.
