In the second of a three-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies (57-66) and the St. Louis Cardinals (65-56) at Citizens Bank Park, Jeremy Hellickson (9-7, 3.65 ERA) and Luke Weaver (0-0, 4.50 ERA) take the mound. The Cardinals won the last game 4-3, extending a five-game winning streak. The game gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 20 and will air on CSPh and FSMW.
In his most recent outing, Hellickson pitched 5.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out seven and walking one in a 6-2 victory over the Dodgers. Odubel Herrera (.283, 66 Rs, 13 HRs, 42 RBIs, 19 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 5 with two runs, one home run, and one RBI. The Cardinals were victorious over the Cubs 8-4 the last time Weaver pitched. He went 4.0 innings, giving up two runs, striking out three and walking three.
Philadelphia is a +122 underdog in this game, and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at nine runs. The Phillies are 39-52 as the underdog and have an overall money line of +761. Philadelphia has averaged 5.4 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 6.6 runs to opponents in their last 10 games, above their season average of 4.7 runs per game.
Across the field, the Cardinals have a record of 43-36 when they are favored and are -29 overall with the money line. The Cardinals are the top-ranked scoring offense in the NL when playing on the road, averaging five runs per game so far. The Cardinals are known for their bats, hitting 427 extra base hits. Shifting to the pitching staff, they allow just 2.8 walks per game, good for fifth in the NL.
In their previous five games this season, the Cardinals have a 4-1 record. The Phillies will take on a right-hander (Weaver) in this game and have a 43-51 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Cardinals will be the right-hander Hellickson. They sport a 48-36 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – STL, O/U – Over
Notes
Philadelphia has won 49% (29-30) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, St. Louis has won 56% (30-24) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Cardinals managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Phillies who are heading in with a 15-5 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Phillies are 37-7. The Cardinals have a 44-6 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 28th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 469 this season. St. Louis ranks in the top five with 603.
Ranking 28th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 317 this season. St. Louis ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 412.
When the Phillies hit at least one home run, they are 48-36. When the Cardinals hit at least one homer, they have a 53-35 record.
