The Philadelphia Phillies (-190) are on the road to face the Houston Astros (+160) at Minute Maid Park on Saturday in Game 6 with the home team on the verge of clinching the World Series. The early total was set at 7 runs with the under a -115 favorite. The Astros lead the series 3-2 after winning 3-2 on Thursday, their fifth head-to-head victory in eight games this season.
Justin Verlander went five innings to get the win, giving up one run on four hits and striking out six, and Ryan Pressly threw 1.2 scoreless innings to pick up his 38th save. Jeremy Pena went 3 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Kyle Schwarber was 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the Phillies, stretching his on-base streak to 12 games.
ON THE MOUND
Zack Wheeler (12-7, 2.82 ERA) is slated to get the start for Philadelphia. The right-hander takes on the Astros for the second start in a row. On October 29, he allowed five runs (four earned) over five innings, a 5-2 home defeat. He was charged with the loss, giving up six hits while striking out three and walking three.For Houston, left-hander Framber Valdez (17-6, 2.82 ERA) will toe the rubber.
He has made two appearances against the Phillies this season, both starts, giving up one run over 11.1 innings (2-0, 0.79) with 19 strikeouts and four walks. In his last start on October 29, Valdez got the win at home against the Phillies. He threw 6.1 innings and gave up one run on four hits, striking out nine and walking three in the 5-2 triumph. The LHP is tied for second in the AL in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Philadelphia has averaged only 3.4 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.6, while performing worse across the board (.174/.265/.342). Against southpaws like Valdez this season, the Phils have a .769 OPS, fifth highest in the league. Rhys Hoskins is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a .945 OPS in 147 at-bats.
Houston is averaging only 3.6 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.5 for the season. 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 45-44 away from Citizens Bank Park in 2022, scoring 4.3 runs per game while allowing 4.3 runs. Houston has gone 60-27 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 3.1. In the last 10 games between the teams at Minute Maid Park, 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.
