Things have continued to stay fantastic in LA, as they came away with a 7-4 win in extra innings over the Red Sox last night. The best part of it for them? Former Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly recorded the final two outs in the 12th to give his new team a win over his old friends. LA is 28 games over .500 and one of the best home teams we have ever seen in 2019.
The Phillies have a very impressive roster and talent at various positions. But no matter who they put out there, the results just aren’t happening, and though it is only year number two for him, Gabe Kapler should really get the boot so somebody who knows what they are doing can come in to lead. They have fallen behind the Nationals and have climbing to do.
The moneyline for the opener of this series has the Los Angeles Dodgers -175 and the Philadelphia Phillies +150. The over/under has been set at 9.5.
Getting Healthy
Now that the team is at full health, we can look at just how effective all of them can be, even from here. Cody Bellinger has 31 home runs and 73 RBI to go with a .338 batting average. Joc Pederson tore it up in the HR Derby last week and has 20 dingers this year, Max Muncy ahead of him with 23. They can field a lineup with six to seven power hitters while throwing a high quality starting pitcher out every single game. And they have the bullpen that is able to close the door on most teams. They lack weakness, which is what has made them so effective.
Clayton Kershaw will be getting the ball for his 16th start of the season. He has posted a 7-2 record with a 3.09 ERA, striking out 91 in 99 innings of work while walking 16 batters. He has not picked up a win in a start against Philadelphia since 2015.
Still Struggling
Yeah so they are only two games over .500, and we are past the halfway point. While they might be able to say they miss McCutchen and Herrera, there are no excuses for their poor play. Bryce Harper has started to come on of late, his average up to .253, with 16 HRs and 62 RBI. Rhys Hoskins has been hammering the ball. They have Jean Segura, Jay Bruce, and Maikel Franco, who can all hit the ball very well. They cannot get this team wins, while the starting pitching here has been extremely mediocre.
Zach Eflin will take the mound for his 18th start of the season tonight. He has posted a 7-8 record with a 3.78 ERA in 100 innings of work. He has 83 strikeouts and 26 walks, and an 0-2 record in four career starts against the Dodgers.
Dodgers Win Opener
LAD -175 folks, that is the move to make! They are going to come away with a win, as they send the Phillies to another defeat.
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