The Philadelphia Phillies (72-57) face a tough test against Zac Gallen at Chase Field on Tuesday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks (60-67). The Diamondbacks took Monday’s series opener 13-7, their fourth straight victory overall and second in four games against the Phillies this season. Luis Frias threw 2.1 scoreless innings in relief to get the win. Christian Walker went 1 for 2 with two runs and one RBI, walking three times, in the win. Bryce Harper was 2 for 4 with two doubles and one RBI for the Phillies.
ON THE MOUND
Aaron Nola (9-10, 3.25 ERA) is slated for the start for Philadelphia. The righty ranks third in the NL in strikeouts (185). Nola went the distance for a complete game shutout in his last start in a 4-0 road victory over the Reds on Thursday. He gave up only five hits, striking out 11 en route to the win. Nola is making his first appearance against the Diamondbacks this season. Nola made one start against the Diamondbacks in 2021, a 7-6 home victory on August 27. He surrendered two runs on three hits over 5.1 innings, striking out seven. Right-hander Gallen (9-2, 2.66 ERA) gets the start for Arizona. He has made one prior start against the Phillies this season, giving up six runs (4 ER) over 1.2 innings in a 7-5 road defeat on June 10. He gave up seven hits and walked one, while striking out two in the loss. In his last start on Wednesday, Gallen took a no-decision on the road against the Royals. He threw six scoreless innings and gave up three hits, striking out six and walking three in the 5-3 defeat. The RHP ranks fifth in the NL in ERA.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Philadelphia has averaged 4.8 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.7. Against right-handed pitchers like Gallen this season, the Phils have a .720 OPS. Kyle Schwarber is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .847 OPS in 303 at-bats. Arizona is averaging 7.2 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.4 for the season, with a stronger slugging percentage (.391 vs .385). The D-backs have a .696 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .783 OPS over 327 at-bats, Daulton Varsho has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Philadelphia is 33-27 away from home in 2022, scoring 4.5 runs per game while allowing 4.2 runs. Arizona has gone 33-32 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 4.4. In the last 10 games at Chase Field between the teams, Arizona is 8-2 with an average scoreline of 5.4-3.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Phillies are third in the NL East, 10 games behind the division-leading Mets. The Diamondbacks are fourth in the NL West, 29 games behind the Dodgers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Philadelphia Phillies (-140)
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