Phillies vs Cardinals: Betting preview & predictions for Sunday

The Philadelphia Phillies will look to win their third game in a row against the St. Louis Cardinals when they clash later today, inching closer to a series sweep.

Last time out

Kyle Gibson and Dakota Hudson somehow pitched the games of their lives, shutting out the opposition through a combined 13 innings. It took a late bullpen effort to keep what became a one-run lead after Darick Hall punched in a leadoff double in the ninth inning.

The offense was completely silent until that point and has been cooling off over the past few games. Here’s to hoping they end the weekend with a bang. The good news is that the Phils have now pitched two consecutive shutouts against the Cardinals, which is wild considering the playoff implications. Alec Bohm was the difference offensively on Friday. If this is a sign of things to come, when the offense begins firing again, this team will be dangerous.

Pitching matchup

Nick Nelson (3-1, 4.17 ERA) vs Andre Pallante (2-4, 3.03 ERA)

On paper this matchup is pretty even. Both have 38 strikeouts (#Besties) while Nelson’s WHIP is only 0.1 greater than Pallante’s. Nick Nelson has allowed 33 hits through 41 innings, while Pallante has surrendered 61 in 59. If there is ever a game to break the low-scoring trend, this would be the one.

Players to watch

The bats have to heat up eventually, and the guys to lead the charge will undoubtedly be Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos. Schwarber has been red hot, with five home runs in his last 10 games, while Castellanos has punched in 44 RBI since signing with Philadelphia.

Betting preview

The total for this game looks really appealing. 8.5 may seem high given the scoring so far, but that’s only to tempt the regular bettor into taking the under (probably, what do I know.) I think the value here is on the over given the step-back in pitching prowess and inevitable offensive breakout.

AP Photo/Matt Slocum