The Philadelphia Phillies (14-13) are on the road to face the Houston Astros (14-12) at Minute Maid Park on Saturday. The Phillies took Friday’s series opener 3-1.
Starter Aaron Nola went eight innings, giving up one run on three hits, to get the win, and Jose Alvarado picked up his fifth save with a scoreless ninth.
Edmundo Sosa was 2 for 3 with two doubles and two runs in the win. Jeremy Pena went 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the Astros.
ON THE MOUND
Zack Wheeler (2-1, 4.73 ERA) is slated to get the start for Philadelphia. The righty allowed three runs over six innings in his last start, a 9-3 road win over the Rockies on Sunday. He earned the win, scattering three hits while striking out 11 and walking three.
For Houston, right-hander Cristian Javier (2-0, 3.21 ERA) takes the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Phillies. In his last start on Sunday, Javier took a no-decision on the road against the Braves. He threw six innings and gave up two runs (1 ER) on three hits, striking out 10 and walking two in the 5-2 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Philadelphia has averaged 4.4 runs a game, equal to their season average. Against righties like Javier this season, the Phils have a .773 OPS. Brandon Marsh is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a 1.074 OPS in 55 at-bats.
Houston is averaging only 3.0 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.7 for the season, with their slash line falling across the board (.211/.270/.329).
The ‘Stros have a .696 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .409 OBP over 60 at-bats, Alex Bregman has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Philadelphia is 6-8 away from Citizens Bank Park in 2023, scoring 4.1 runs per game while allowing 5.5 runs. Houston has gone 6-8 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 4.1. In the last 10 meetings at Minute Maid Park, Houston is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.6-3.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Phillies are third in the NL East, four games behind the division-leading Braves. The Astros are second in the AL West, one games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Philadelphia Phillies (-125)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our MLB hub page for all your baseball needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
