If you had asked before the postseason started, it’s likely that not many would have guessed that the San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies would be the last two clubs standing in the National League.
Both teams have their redeeming qualities, though. The Friars were outclassed all season by the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
Even after making huge waves by trading for a young superstar in Juan Soto and an elite closing pitcher in Josh Hader, it seemed they were far behind their northern foes.
NL East
Then, with Philly, it felt as if they were an afterthought as the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves went at it for the bragging rights in the NL East.
The Mets led the grouping for much of the season, then Atlanta passed them up late in the MLB schedule. Meanwhile, the Phillies forged their way into the playoffs and made their presence known.
Both the Dodgers and Braves would likely trade a few of their regular season triumphs to still be in the mix to represent the Senior Circuit in the World Series.
Game 1
The clash will see the first pitch at 4:35 p.m. at Petco Park. Let’s revisit Game 1 before making Phillies vs. Padres picks.
Most of the time, allowing just two runs as a pitcher gives your side a chance to do something. San Diego’s Yu Darvish did just that on Tuesday but didn’t get much offensive help in return.
The Padres were blanked, 2-0, and managed a single hit off of the visitors’ staff. Zack Wheeler made the start for Philly and went seven innings. He had eight strikeouts and a walk.
At the plate, the Phillies saw scoring contributions from reigning league MVP Bryce Harper and slugger Kyle Schwarber, both of whom smacked solo homers.
Let’s take a peek at what the bookmakers are expecting out of Game 2.
Padres vs. Phillies Odds Breakdown
Before making some Phillies vs. Padres picks, it would be a good idea to glance at the odds. Philadelphia is favored in this one, listed at -1.5 on the run line at +176. San Diego is -215 to cover the spread.
On the money line, the Phillies are +102, while the Padres are -120. The total is set at 6.5 runs, with the over being -124 and the under +102.
Matchup Information
- Date and Time: Wednesday, October 19th, 4:35 p.m.
- Location: San Diego, California
- Venue: Petco Park
- How to Watch: Fox
San Diego Padres vs. Philadelphia Phillies Betting Preview
Aaron Nola as Starter
Aaron Nola is set to take the mound for the visiting Phillies in this one. The 29-year-old righty registered 235 strikeouts in the regular season, which was enough for the fourth-most in the major leagues.
He also had a 3.25 ERA and an 11-13 record. He’s made a pair of appearances in the playoffs, and the Phillies have come out on top in both of those clashes.
Against the Braves last Friday, he turned in six innings of work, allowing only one unearned run on five hits.
Blake Snell as Starter
Going for the Padres will be 29-year-old southpaw Blake Snell, who went 8-10 this year with a 3.38 ERA.
He went 5.1 innings and gave up only one earned run against the Dodgers last Friday. In showing that he could quiet an extremely skilled offense his last time out, San Diego fans can be confident here.
No one notable is on the MLB injury report for either team.
San Diego Padres vs. Philadelphia Phillies Betting Preview
The home team has a capable lineup that just couldn’t get anything going on Tuesday night. San Diego will have to count on that order to keep the team from falling into a 2-0 series hole.
Especially starting at home, two defeats to being a slate of this caliber would be a difficult pill to swallow.
Meanwhile, a two-game advantage in a best-of-seven bill would be gigantic for the Phillies. The set will be moving to the City of Brotherly Love on Friday.
MLB Pick: Phillies (+103)
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