Giants vs Phillies Series Preview: Both Teams Hold Wild Card Spots

The Giants vs Phillies series preview shows two teams who are currently clinging to wild-card positions. But things can change quickly in baseball, so the pressure is on both teams to win. There’s a bit more heat on the Giants, who have gone 3-7 over their last 10 games. San Francisco’s lead in the wild card race is down to a half-game, with Arizona, Cincinnati, and Miami all right there.

The Giants will send left-hander Scott Alexander to the mound in Monday’s opener. The Phillies will counter with Aaron Nola. The Phillies are -149, and the total is 8.5-under (-120). Alexander has only pitched more than an inning on one occasion this season. So he’s not going to be in there long. Fortunately for San Francisco, the Giants have the pitching to throw a bullpen game.

The Giants’ offense is nothing to get excited about. San Francisco is No. 24 in the MLB team stats in hitting and No. 22 in runs scored. San Francisco is No. 20 in home runs but No. 15 in road home runs, as their park isn’t hitter-friendly. The Giants are No. 9 in team ERA and have converted 42 of 64 save opportunities.

Hitting hasn’t been much of a problem for the Phillies. Philadelphia is No. 9 in team batting average and No. 12 in runs scored. The Phillies are No. 14 in home runs and No. 6 in doubles.

The Phillies are No. 11 in team ERA, so they haven’t pitched badly at all. Philadelphia is 34 for 52 in save opportunities.

Monday’s Game

The Giants are 1-5 in totals in the six games Alexander has started, but it’s hard to give credit to somebody who will pitch an inning. The bullpen has done an excellent job when he starts, with the Giants allowing 3.0 runs per game.

The Giants have gone 3-3 when Alexander starts, but that’s more on the relief pitchers than him.

Nola isn’t having his typical season. He’s 10-8 with a 4.58 ERA. His second season is the only time he’s finished with an ERA greater than 4.00. The Phillies have won Nola’s last two starts and are 13-12 when he takes the mound. It’s hard to lay those odds with Nola against a decent San Francisco team. But the odds aren’t high enough to take the Giants as a value play. The Phillies are 15-9-1 in totals when Nola starts this season, so that could be the way to go.

Tuesday’s Game

The Giants vs Phillies series preview notes San Francisco’s top prospect Kyle Harrison is expected to make his Major League debut Tuesday. He’s ranked the No. 1 left-handed pitching prospect and San Francisco’s top prospect. Harrison has had some control issues in the minors this season. He has 105 strikeouts and 48 walks in 65 2/3 innings for AAA Sacramento. His last two starts have seen him fan 11 and issue no walks, so the Giants decided to call him up.

Taijuan Walker will get the start for the Phillies. He’s 13-5 with a 4.03 ERA. Philadelphia is 17-7 when he starts, so it’s tough to go against him in this spot. The Phillies will be good-sized favorites, although Harrison’s hype may help keep the line down a bit. There are probably better spots on Tuesday’s MLB schedule to find a play.

Wednesday’s Game

The Giants vs Phillies series preview shows a decent pitching matchup in Wednesday’s series finale. The Giants will send Alex Cobb to the mound against Michael Lorenzen. Both pitchers have had their share of tough luck this season. Cobb is 6-5 with a 3.75 ERA. San Francisco is 15-8 when Cobb starts but has lost his last three trips to the mound.

Lorenzen is 7-8 with a 3.57 ERA and the Phillies are 11-12 when he starts. Philadelphia allows just 3.57 runs per game with Lorenzen on the hill. But the Phillies have scored one run or less in five of his starts. The pitchers are pretty even in this one, but the Giants are finding a way to win with Cobb pitching. The game will be fairly close to even, so use San Francisco as one of your MLB picks for the day.

For MLB standings 2023, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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