The Philadelphia Phillies (+170) are in for a challenge against Sandy Alcantara at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Miami Marlins (-200) with the home team in position to sweep the three-game series. The early total was set at 7 runs (O: -115 | U: -105).The Phillies (75-61) lead the series 2-0 after winning 4-3 on Wednesday, their 10th head-to-head victory in 15 games this season. Bailey Falter went 5.1 innings to get the win, allowing two runs on seven hits, and Connor Brogdon earned his second save. Edmundo Sosa went 3 for 3 with a home run and a double in the win. He had three RBIs. Matt Vierling added a double and two runs. Jacob Stallings was 2 for 4 with a solo home run for the Marlins (55-80).
ON THE MOUND
Alcantara (12-7, 2.36 ERA) is in line for the start for Miami. The righty ranks second in the NL in ERA. Alcantara allowed six runs over five innings in his last start, an 8-1 road defeat against the Braves on Friday. He took the loss, giving up seven hits while striking out three and walking one. Over four previous starts against the Phillies this season, Alcantara has allowed 10 earned runs over 29.2 innings (1-2, 3.03). He has struck out 26 and walked seven. RHP Kyle Gibson (9-6, 4.08 ERA) gets the ball for Philadelphia. He has made four appearances against the Marlins this season, all as the starter, giving up nine runs (8 ER) over 24.2 innings (1-2, 2.92) with 20 strikeouts and six walks. In his last start on Friday, Gibson took the loss on the road against the Giants. He threw 1.2 innings and gave up seven runs on five hits, striking out two and walking four in the 13-1 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Miami has averaged only 1.6 runs a game, down from their season average of 3.5, while performing worse across the board (.187/.250/.239). Against right-handed pitchers like Gibson this season, the Fish have a .674 OPS, fourth lowest in MLB. Garrett Cooper is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .776 OPS in 276 at-bats. Philadelphia is averaging only 3.0 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.7 for the season, with their slash line slipping across the board (.247/.295/.414). The Phils have a .722 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .840 OPS over 318 at-bats, Kyle Schwarber has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Miami is on a six-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 29-42 in 2022. The Fish have scored 3.5 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.2 runs. Philadelphia has gone 41-30 at their home park this season, averaging 4.7 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. In the last 10 games at Citizens Bank Park between the NL East rivals, Philadelphia is 8-2 with an average scoreline of 4.1-3.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Marlins are fourth in the NL East, 30 games behind the division-leading Mets. The Phillies are third in the NL East, 11 games behind the Mets. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting second.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Miami Marlins (+105)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
