Diamondbacks-Phillies NLCS Betting Odds: Can Philadelphia Earn Another Home Win in Game 2 of NLCS?
Phillies Still Undefeated At Home In This Year's Postseason
We’re headed to Game 2 of the NLCS between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies.
Last night, the Phillies escaped the Diamondbacks with a 5-3 victory in Game 1 of the series. Now, they’ll look to hold onto their home-field advantage for Game 2 of the NLCS.
Arizona lost its first game of the postseason in Philadelphia. Ask any team. It’s super hard to play against the Phillies on the road in the playoffs. Philadelphia has the most emphatic fanbase in the MLB right now.
Will the Phillies hold on for Game 2 and send this series to Arizona up 2-0?
Take a look at the Diamondbacks-Phillies NLCS betting odds for Game 2 of this NLCS.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs Philadelphia Phillies 
Day/Time:
Location: Citizens Bank Park
Arizona’s First Loss
The Arizona Diamondbacks won the first five games in the MLB postseason. But that five-game streak ended against the Phillies last night.
The Diamondbacks didn’t allow more than three runs in any game in the postseason before Game 1 of the NLCS. Arizona had four games where it allowed two runs.
However, the Philadelphia power got to Arizona. Zac Gallen lasted five innings for Arizona but allowed five runs on eight hits despite four strikeouts on the night. He gave up three home runs and struggled to find much success against the Phillies in the opener.
It wasn’t all on Gallen. The bullpen stepped up after it replaced Gallen. However, Arizona only had four hits against Zack Wheeler and the Phillies’ bullpen. That hurt them just as much.
Home Field Advantage in Philly
The Phillies weren’t undefeated in the playoffs heading into the NLCS. They had one loss to the Braves in the NLDS on the road. However, at home, the Phillies haven’t lost.
They won their home games by a combined score of 29-8 through five games. The atmosphere in a Phillies game is super electric.
Rob Thomson even acknowledged that the Phillies fanbase has been a helping point for the Phillies this year.
The fanbase took the Phillies into the World Series last year and is hungry for a win this season.
Back in August, left-handed slugger Bryce Harper told the media that he doesn’t want to play anywhere else but in Philadelphia. He’s also insisted that he wishes he had begun his career in Philadelphia.
When you’re succeeding, there’s no better place to play than in Philadelphia.
When you’re struggling, they’ll hate you. But it’s just tough love. Alec Bohm was caught saying he hated Philadelphia after being booed for an error. But when he took responsibility, the Phillies faithful supported him.
In August this season, Trea Turner was given a standing ovation because he struggled to succeed with the Phillies after signing a massive extension in the offseason. He had one of the best finishes to a season in recent memory with Philadelphia.
The Philly faithful are incredibly loyal. But they expect premier performances. They’ll let you know if you’re not playing well, and they’ll cheer loudly when you’re playing your tail off. That’s just the Philly way.
Take a look at the Diamondbacks-Phillies NLCS betting odds for Game 2 of the NLCS. Yes, this game is in Philadelphia too.
Early Odds: Run Line Philadelphia -1.5 (+140) ML Philadelphia -150, O/U 8 +100/-120x
âš¾ Game 2 âš¾
Tuesday, 8:07 p.m. ET
Merrill Kelly vs. Aaron Nola
Can Merrill Kelly Keep the Postseason ERA at 0.00?
Merrill Kelly had a tremendous year with the Arizona Diamondbacks this season. He finished with a 12-8 record while allowing a 3.29 ERA. He also struck out 187 batters and had a WHIP of 1.19.
Kelly wasn’t needed in the first round of the playoffs. The Diamondbacks got two quick wins against the Brewers in the NL Wild Card Series and would be the third starter if needed. Instead, he pitched in Game 1 against the Dodgers, setting the tone with six innings.
He allowed three hits, no runs, two walks, and struck out five in 6.1 innings against the Dodgers.
Over the last 30 days, Kelly has struggled against lefties. He’s allowed a .222 ISO to his previous 41 lefties and has given up a .155 ISO to 374 lefties this season.
Philadelphia has lefties with potential. Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper are two lefty bats hitting an ISO and a wOBA above average against righties over the last 30 days.
Aaron Nola’s Sensational Month Should Continue
Aaron Nola has struck out 29.8% of batters over the last 30 days. That’s way above his 25.1% of strikeouts this season. The right-hander has also held teams to 2.1% of walks, with a .066 ISO and wOBA of .227.
He’s even earned 55.6% of ground balls and has limited fly balls to 17.5% in the last 30 days.
He’s been tough to hit. That’s why he’s 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA in the postseason this year.
Nola finished seven innings against the Marlins in the NL Wild Card series, allowing three hits and no runs. Meanwhile, he added nine strikeouts in 5.2 innings against the Braves in the NLDS. In that game, he allowed two earned runs but still got the win after the Phillies lineup added ten runs of their own in that game.
Nola will face off against an Arizona lineup that hasn’t been extremely good against righties over the last 30 days. Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, and Christian Walker are the bats hitting with authority against righties.
But Arizona’s MLB team stats don’t really match up well against Nola right now. Corbin Carroll was one of the MLB stats leaders for many rookie categories this season. But it’ll be hard for him to carry this team through Nola with little help at the bottom half of the order.
Out MLB score predictions are that the Phillies will win this game by a low score, 4-2. Our Diamondbacks-Phillies NLCS betting odds confirm that the Phillies at -1.5 has value at plus money.
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