Aaron Nola (3-1, 4.25 ERA) and the Philadelphia Phillies (46-72) meet R.A. Dickey (7-10, 3.96 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (65-54) in the first of a two-game interleague series at Citizens Bank Park. The game gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 18 and will air on CSPh and RSN.
In his most recent outing, Nola pitched 5.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out two and walking one in a 7-6 victory over the Diamondbacks. Ryan Howard (.235, 42 Rs, 19 HRs, 65 RBIs) went 1 for 4 Sunday. The Blue Jays were victorious over the Athletics 10-3 the last time Dickey pitched. He went 6.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out four and walking two. Josh Donaldson (.292, 86 Rs, 31 HRs, 87 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 3 Sunday with one run and one RBI.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Phillies have an SU record of 7-8 against the American League. They typically aren’t overmatched by pitchers, ranking fifth in the NL with an average of only 7.4 strikeouts per game. Philadelphia’s pitching staff will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent struggles. The Phillies have given up an average of 6.3 runs to opponents in their last 10 games, above their season average of 5.0 runs per game.
When playing NL opponents, the Blue Jays have a 9-6 record SU. The Blue Jays are the number one overall scoring offense in the AL, averaging 5.2 runs per game so far. The Blue Jays average 3.3 walks per game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the AL. Toronto’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 2.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 4.1. They also allow just 2.6 walks per game, second-best in the AL.
The Phillies will take on a right-hander (Dickey) in this game and have a 36-57 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Nola will take the mound against the Blue Jays, who have a 50-43 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Tor
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Toronto is 31-22, while Philadelphia is 23-35.
The Blue Jays are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Phillies have a 9-27 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Phillies are 26-10. The Blue Jays have a 53-6 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking first in runs, Toronto has earned 622 this season. Philadelphia ranks 28th with 433 runs.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 262 this season. Toronto ranks in the top five at fourth with 392.
The Phillies are 29-31 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Blue Jays are 59-28 when they hit at least one homer.
