Zack Greinke (10-2, 1.41 ERA) gets the start for the Los Angeles Dodgers (61-46) as they go up against David Buchanan (2-5, 6.44 ERA) and the Philadelphia Phillies (42-66) in the last of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. The Dodgers won the last game 4-3 and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 1:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 6 and will air on CSPh and SNLA.
In his most recent outing, Buchanan pitched 7.1 innings, allowing three runs and striking out four in a 9-3 victory over the Braves. Maikel Franco (.282, 40 Rs, 12 HRs, 45 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI. The Dodgers were victorious over the Angels 5-3 the last time Greinke pitched. He went 8.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out eight and walking one. Yasmani Grandal (.295, 39 Rs, 15 HRs, 41 RBIs) has been doing well, going 2 for 5 yesterday.
Philadelphia is a considerable +220 underdog in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is seven runs. The Phillies perform poorly as an underdog with a 37-59 record and have an overall money line of -742. Over the last 10 games, they have had a very good record when playing as the underdog (6-2). Philadelphia has averaged 5.7 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 3.7. Philadelphia’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 3.3 during that span, compared to its 4.8 season average.
On the other side, the Dodgers have a record of 54-42 when they are favored and are -802 overall with the money line. They sport the fourth-ranked offense in the NL, averaging 4.1 runs per game. Los Angeles has an eye for the strike zone, ranking 3.4 in the NL with second walks per game. Shifting to the pitching staff, they have the fourth-lowest ERA in the NL at 3.35. They have a WHIP of 1.19, second best in the MLB.
The Dodgers have mostly come out on top against the Phillies in their previous six games this season, earning a 4-2 record. This game will feature Greinke (RHP) on the mound against the Phillies, who have a 32-51 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Buchanan will take the mound against the Dodgers, who have a 53-36 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD, O/U – Over
Notes
Philadelphia is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games.
Philadelphia is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers.
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia’s last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers.
Philadelphia is 3-9 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers.
Los Angeles recorded at least two errors for the seventh time this season.
The Phillies managed to give up nine walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Dodgers who are coming in with a 3-0 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Phillies are 13-52. The Dodgers have a 12-33 record when opponents outhit them.
Philadelphia ranks near the bottom of the league at 29th when it comes to home runs, hitting 74 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top five at fifth with 132.
Ranking 11th, Los Angeles is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.38 per game. Philadelphia ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 8.59.
Ranking 26th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.680). Los Angeles ranks in the top five at fifth with an OPS of .755.
When the Dodgers allow at least one home run, they are 25-31. When the Phillies allow one or more homers, they have a 20-46 record.
