In what was the biggest win to the Philadelphia Phillies this year, Bryce Harper blasted a grand slam on Thursday night. The bases were loaded with 2 outs and the stage has been set are the hero. This was no doubter once it left his bat and all of the Cubs can do is observe another winnable game late in innings go into the toilet.
Pedro Strop was activated from the IL to allow him rest after a rough stretch. Last evening it had been the exact same for Strop. He allowed 2 earned runs and left Derek Holland at a difficult situation. I dont understand blown games the Cubs could get away with and still go to the postseason.
With the win, the Phillies dealt the Cubs a sweep from that three-game series. Thats exactly what the Phillies needed to create some much needed momentum. The Phillies were 1-5 in their past six games. However , if they follow up the victory they had against the Cubs having a dud, then the frustration will start all over again to the Phillies. The best hint to these is that Bryce Harper appears to be finding his stroke now, although its been that sort of year on them. That is bad news for everyone else whos in the National League wildcard search.
The Phillies stay home over the weekend, as they welcome the Padres into Citizens Bank Park for a series. Philadelphia will soon be after this weekend on the road in Boston and Miami. Vince Velasquez will get the starting call although Chris Paddack is expected for your Padres on Friday night. Head below for our free Padres vs. Phillies pick.
Betting odds provided by bovada.lv
Chris Paddack was just what this particular season was being looked for by the Padres. Regrettably, it isnt the one thing which be a postseason team and the Padres needed to get over the hump. With depth in their pitching staff and a hot and cold offense, the Padres have not been in a position to at the very top of the NL West. Playing in precisely exactly the same division as the Dodgers has got something to do with it, but does a listing of 56-64. The wildcard has been around for grabs and the Padres faded off while some started to play baseball.
Paddack enters Philadelphia having an ERA of 3.26 and also 0.93 WHIP. Thats excellent for any pitcher and exceptional for a beginner. It was chose by Paddack up, although hes made only 20 begins in his major league career. Together with 9 runs Id say he has seen better times, however. Paddack goes to this one with a 5.87 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in his previous three outings.
Also remember that he has not been great on the road. He owns a 3.95 ERA in 57 innings as a visitor. Its simple to discern why this is occurring for Paddack. Petco Park is among the most pitcher friendly parks . There he is allowed only 6 home runs. But on the street that amount doubles to 12 long balls afforded. The Phillies are hitting .308 in 26 at-bats from Paddack. Bryce Harper is currently hitting on .667 into 1 match against him.
Conversely, the Padres have listed just 2 hits against Vince Velasquez. In 24 at-bats, the Padres are hitting 0.83 without the runs on him. He had been prominent at a 5-0 win over the Padres last year. Velasquez was pitching. In his previous four outings, he has not allowed more than 4 runs and gave up over 2 runs only once. With an enthusiastic home crowd in the side and momentum, expect the Phillies to notch a win in the series opener against the Padres.
