Philadelphia (59-54) at Arizona (57-57)
When: Wednesday, August 7th, 2019
Where: Chase Field,
Phoenix, Arizona
Time: 9:40 ET | TV: FS Arizona,
NBCS Philadelphia
Opening Odds: Arizona -123/9.5
The Arizona Diamondbacks may have given up their staff ace, but that doesn’t mean they’re giving up their quest for a postseason berth. Arizona pulled to within 2.5 games of Philadelphia for the second NL Wild Card spot after beating the Phillies 8-4 on Tuesday and will now turn to newly acquired Zac Gallen in the rubber-match on Wednesday opposite Jason Vargas. Eduardo Escobar drove in three runs for the Diamondbacks on Tuesday – including his career-high 25th home run as Arizona won a game started by Mike Leake – Zack Greinke’s replacement. David Peralta homered for the first time in 32 games Tuesday and is 8-for-23 with six RBI in his last six contests. The Phillies have been scuffling since the All-Star Break but still own the second wild card despite a 12-11 mark since the break and have lost three of their last five. Rookie Adam Haseley went 3-for-4 with two RBI on Tuesday and his now batting .280 in his first MLB season while hitting primarily eighth in the lineup. The Phillies wasted a solid effort by starter Jake Arrieta on Tuesday, as three relievers surrendered runs over the final three innings.
Pitchers: Phillies – Jason Vargas (6-5, 3.93 ERA) | Diamondbacks – Zac Gallen (1-3, 2.72)
Vargas had an encouraging Phillies debut on Friday against the White Sox, allowing two runs and five hits with five strikeouts in 6.1 innings but settled for a no-decision in the 15 inning loss. Vargas, who won his last three starts with the Mets while posting a 2.50 ERA, is 2-3 with a 6.82 ERA in six starts against the Diamondbacks.
10 CENT MLB LINES & 1% CASH BACK
Gallen will be making his Arizona debut on Wednesday and hasn’t pitched since July 30th when he allowed two runs, four hits and three walks with eight strikeouts in seven innings in his final start with Miami. Gallen has allowed more than three runs in any of his seven career starts and has 43 strikeouts in 36.1 innings this season.
I think these teams and pitchers are evenly matched here, so the odds are telling me to take the underdog. Neither team has been really consistent, but the Phillies are hitting .280 over their last 10 games compared to Arizona’s .251. Slight edge to Philly here.
Check out who Bobby Babowski has on his Free MLB Picks page for Wednesday. He is 103-74 +1728 units on the season after a 4-1 run!
Pick: Phillies +126
10 CENT MLB LINES & 1% CASH BACK
BETTING TRENDS:
Phillies are 4-0 in their last 4 games following a loss.
Phillies are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Phillies are 6-1 in their last 7 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Phillies are 4-1 in their last 5 road games.
Phillies are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Phillies are 5-2 in their last 7 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Phillies are 5-2 in their last 7 during game 3 of a series.
Phillies are 7-19 in their last 26 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Phillies are 2-6 in their last 8 Wednesday games.
Diamondbacks are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Diamondbacks are 11-4 in their last 15 during game 3 of a series.
Diamondbacks are 2-5 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Diamondbacks are 2-7 in their last 9 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Diamondbacks are 1-7 in their last 8 games following a win.
Under is 8-0 in Phillies last 8 Wednesday games.
Over is 4-0 in Phillies last 4 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Phillies last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Phillies last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 7-2 in Phillies last 9 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Over is 11-4 in Phillies last 15 vs. National League West.
Under is 5-2 in Phillies last 7 road games.
Over is 20-8 in Phillies last 28 games following a loss.
Over is 9-4 in Phillies last 13 during game 3 of a series.
Over is 4-0 in Diamondbacks last 4 overall.
Over is 4-0 in Diamondbacks last 4 on grass.
Over is 4-0 in Diamondbacks last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 4-0 in Diamondbacks last 4 home games.
Over is 4-0 in Diamondbacks last 4 vs. National League East.
Over is 4-0 in Diamondbacks last 4 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 9-1-1 in Diamondbacks last 11 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Over is 5-1-2 in Diamondbacks last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Over is 5-1 in Diamondbacks last 6 Wednesday games.
Under is 5-2 in Diamondbacks last 7 during game 3 of a series.
Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Arizona.
Phillies are 5-13 in the last 18 meetings.
Phillies are 2-6 in the last 8 meetings in Arizona.
