Hot-hitting Bryce Harper will be looking to extend his 11-game hitting streak as the Philadelphia Phillies (-180) face off against the Houston Astros (+150) at Minute Maid Park on Saturday in Game 2 of the World Series with the visitors looking to build on their advantage. The early total was set at 7 with the under a -115 favorite.
The Phillies took Friday’s series opener 6-5 in 10 innings, their second head-to-head victory in four games this season. Seranthony Dominguez got the win with 1.2 scoreless innings of relief, and David Robertson picked up his 21st save with a scoreless ninth.J.T. Realmuto was 2 for 4 with a home run and a double in the win. He had three RBIs. Kyle Tucker went 3 for 5 with two home runs and four RBIs for the Astros.
ON THE MOUND
Zack Wheeler (12-7, 2.82 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Philadelphia. The RHP allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 4-3 home win over the Padres on Sunday. He gave up three hits while striking out eight in the no-decision.Southpaw Framber Valdez (17-6, 2.82 ERA) will toe the rubber for Houston.
He has made one prior start against the Phillies this season, holding opposing hitters scoreless over five innings in a 3-2 home win on October 5. He gave up two hits and walked one, while striking out 10 in the win.In his last start on October 20, Valdez got the win at home against the Yankees. He threw seven innings and gave up two runs (0 ER) on four hits, striking out nine, in the 3-2 victory. The southpaw is tied for second in the AL in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Philadelphia has averaged 5.8 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.6, while performing better across the board (.261/.322/.503). Against left-handed pitchers like Valdez this season, the Phils have a .769 OPS, fifth highest in MLB.
Rhys Hoskins is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a .945 OPS in 147 at-bats. Houston is averaging only 4.6 runs per game in the last five, consistent with their season average. The ‘Stros have a .726 OPS against righties in 2022. With a .504 SLG over 308 at-bats, Alex Bregman has been their best power hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Philadelphia is 45-43 in away games in 2022, scoring 4.3 runs per game while allowing 4.3 runs. Houston has gone 59-27 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 3.2. In the last 10 games at Minute Maid Park between the teams, Houston is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.7-3.6.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros won the AL West with a record of 106-56. The Phillies finished third in the NL East (87-75).
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Houston Astros (-145)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
