The San Diego Padres (+175) host the Philadelphia Phillies (-210) at Petco Park on Wednesday in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series with the visitors looking to build on their lead. Expect a pitchers’ duel with the early total at 6.5 runs (O: -120 | U: +100).The Phillies (93-76) took Tuesday’s series opener 2-0, their fifth head-to-head victory in eight games this season. Starter Zack Wheeler threw seven scoreless innings – striking out eight – to get the win, and Jose Alvarado earned his third save with a scoreless ninth. Kyle Schwarber was 2 for 3 with a solo home run in the win. Wil Myers had San Diego’s only hit, going 1 for 3 for the Padres (94-76).
ON THE MOUND
Aaron Nola (13-13, 3.25 ERA) is in line to take the mound for Philadelphia. The right-hander ranks third in the NL in strikeouts (247). Nola allowed one run (zero earned) over six innings in his last start, a 9-1 home win over the Braves on Friday. He earned the win, scattering five hits while striking out six and walking two. Nola has made one previous start against the Padres this season, a 1-0 road loss on June 24. He surrendered one run on seven hits over seven innings, striking out 10 and walking two. For San Diego, left-hander Blake Snell (9-10, 3.38 ERA) will toe the rubber. He has made two appearances against the Phillies this season, both starts, giving up seven runs over 9.1 innings (0-2, 6.75) with nine strikeouts and five walks. In his last start on Friday, Snell got the win at home against the Dodgers. He threw 5.1 innings and gave up one run on five hits, striking out six and walking two in the 2-1 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Philadelphia has averaged 5.2 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.6. Against southpaws like Snell this season, the Phils have a .769 OPS, fifth highest in MLB. Rhys Hoskins is the team’s best hitter against left-handers with a .945 OPS in 147 at-bats. San Diego is averaging only 3.0 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.3 for the season, with their slash line dropping across the board (.202/.266/.307). The Padres have a .697 OPS against righties in 2022. With a .538 SLG over 329 at-bats, Manny Machado has been their best power hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Philadelphia is 44-42 away from Citizens Bank Park in 2022, scoring 4.3 runs per game while allowing 4.2 runs. San Diego has gone 46-38 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 3.7 runs per game while surrendering 3.7. Philadelphia is 8-2 in the last 10 games at Petco Park between the teams with an average scoreline of 5.0-3.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Phillies finished third in the NL East. The Padres were second in the NL West.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Philadelphia Phillies (+100)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
