Hot-hitting J.T. Realmuto will be looking to extend his 10-game hitting streak as the Philadelphia Phillies (20-23) host the Chicago Cubs (19-24) at Citizens Bank Park on Friday for the first of a three-game series.
The Cubs are kicking off the final series of their nine-game road trip. They are coming off a three-game sweep at the hands of the Astros, dropping the finale 7-6 on Wednesday at Minute Maid Park for their fifth straight loss.
Seiya Suzuki was 3 for 3 with two home runs and three RBIs. Christopher Morel went 3 for 5 with a home run and two runs. The Phillies are back home for a six-game homestand after finishing up a rough six-game road trip (2-4).
They were just swept in three games against the Giants, dropping the finale 7-4 on Wednesday at Oracle Park for their fourth straight loss. Bryson Stott went 1 for 4 with a solo home run.
The teams are meeting for the first time this season. In 2022, the Cubs won all six games between the teams, including a sweep in their most recent three-game series at Wrigley Field in September.
ON THE MOUND
Marcus Stroman (2-4, 3.24 ERA) is set to take the mound for Chicago. The right-hander allowed six runs over 2.2 innings in his last start, a 16-3 road defeat against the Twins on Sunday. He was charged with the loss, yielding seven hits while striking out three and walking two.
Over two starts against the Phillies in 2022, Stroman was 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA over 13 innings. He had 11 strikeouts and three walks. Southpaw Ranger Suarez (0-0, 6.75 ERA) is on the mound for Philadelphia.
Suarez made one start against the Cubs in 2022, throwing six innings in a 2-0 road defeat on September 29. He gave up seven hits and walked one, while striking out five in the loss.
In his last start on Saturday, Suarez took a no-decision on the road against the Rockies. He threw four innings and gave up three runs on seven hits, striking out four and walking one in the 7-4 win.
AT THE PLATE
The Chicago offense is averaging 4.8 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .266/.340/.431. Patrick Wisdom leads the team in OPS at .912. The third baseman is slashing .238/.336/.577 with 12 home runs, 23 RBIs, and 25 runs over 38 games.
Over the last five games, though, Chicago has averaged only 3.4 runs a game while slashing worse across the board (.229/.311/.429). Against lefties like Suarez this season, the Cubs have an .822 OPS, third highest in the league.
Yan Gomes is the team’s strongest performer against left-handers with a 1.157 OPS in 31 at-bats. Philadelphia is slashing .261/.322/.421 for the season and averaging 4.3 runs per game. Brandon Marsh leads the team with a .912 OPS.
The right fielder has four home runs, 16 RBIs, and 20 runs scored with a slash line of .281/.400/.512. The Phils have a .768 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .947 OPS over 90 at-bats, Realmuto has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is on a five-game losing streak away from Wrigley Field, bringing their record to 8-13 in 2023. The Cubs have scored 4.8 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.5 runs. Philadelphia has won three in a row at Citizens Bank Park.
The Phils are 11-7 at home this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 3.7. The teams have split their last 10 games at Citizens Bank Park, though Chicago has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 6.0-5.6.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Cubs are third in the NL Central, five games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Phillies are fourth in the NL East, seven games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Philadelphia Phillies (-130)
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