Justin Steele, one of this season’s toughest pitchers, leads the Chicago Cubs (20-25) into Citizens Bank Park on Sunday as they take on the Philadelphia Phillies (21-24) with the three-game series in the balance.
The Phillies leveled the series 1-1 after winning 12-3 on Saturday. Starter Aaron Nola went seven innings to get the win, allowing two runs on four hits and striking out 10.
Kyle Schwarber went 1 for 2 with a home run, two runs, and four RBIs, walking twice, in the win. Kody Clemens added a home run, two runs, and two RBIs.
Christopher Morel was 2 for 3 with a home run and a double for the Cubs. He scored two runs, stretching his hit streak to 10 games. Dansby Swanson added a home run and two RBIs.
ON THE MOUND
Steele (6-1, 2.44 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Chicago. The left-hander is tied for the NL lead in wins and is fifth in ERA. Steele allowed five runs over six innings in his last start, a 7-3 road defeat against the Astros on Tuesday.
He took the loss, scattering five hits while striking out eight and walking one. Steele is making his first appearance against the Phillies this season.
Steele made one start against the Phillies in 2022, a 15-2 road victory on July 22. He surrendered one run on four hits over five innings, striking out two and walking four.
Righty Taijuan Walker (3-2, 6.53 ERA) gets the start for Philadelphia. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Cubs. Walker made one start against the Cubs in 2022, throwing six innings for the Mets in a 2-1 road win on July 16.
He gave up four hits and walked two, while striking out five in the no-decision. In his last start on Wednesday, Walker took a no-decision on the road against the Giants. He threw 0.2 innings and gave up four runs on four hits, striking out one and walking two in the 7-4 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged 5.2 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.9. Against right-handed pitchers like Walker this season, the Cubs have a .752 OPS. Ian Happ is the team’s strongest hitter against right-handers with a 1.017 OPS in 115 at-bats.
Philadelphia is averaging 4.6 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.4 for the season. The Phils have a .690 OPS against lefties in 2023. With a .903 OPS over 42 at-bats, Edmundo Sosa has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is 9-14 on the road in 2023, scoring 4.9 runs per game while allowing 4.7 runs. Philadelphia has gone 12-8 at Citizens Bank Park this season, averaging 4.8 runs per game while surrendering 4.0.
The teams have split their last 10 games at Citizens Bank Park, though Philadelphia has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 6.4-6.3.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Cubs are third in the NL Central, four games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Phillies are fourth in the NL East, eight games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Chicago Cubs (-115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
