The Philadelphia Phillies are 4.5 games back in the NL East as they take on the Washington Nationals in this crucial divisional battle.
The Phillies are still in a good position to secure an NL Wild Card berth but need to go on a run if they are to overcome the Atlanta Braves and top the division.
By contrast, the Nationals are out of postseason contention with a 70-81 record and a 3-8 record against these opponents this year.
Phillies vs. Nationals betting picks and predictions
Phillies -1.5 (-127)
The Philadelphia Phillies picked up an important 9-4 win over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday to prevent the sweep and after a day off on Monday, they should be fresh and ready to pick up another win against the Washington Nationals.
Philadelphia sends NL Cy Young candidate Cristopher Sanchez to the hill; he sports a 17-5 record, with a 2.79 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. His ERA was just 1.72 in August and while he may have given up nine earned runs in 12 innings this month, he could bounce back in this matchup with fellow lefty Jackson Kent.
The Nats’ rookie has had a disappointing season, with a 1-4 record, a 6.59 ERA and a 1.83 WHIP. He has allowed eight earned runs, 12 hits, and five walks in eight innings in September.
Kent was hit hard by the San Diego Padres in his last outing, managing just three innings, and he could struggle once more against this Phillies lineup.
There have not been many signs that the youngster is ready for the big leagues, and this playoff-chasing team could put a further dent in his ambitions.
The Phillies are 8-3 against Washington this year and they are 42-33 on the road. They can cover the spread against a struggling young pitcher.
Over 8 total runs (-120)
With left-handed pitchers representing both teams, it is notable that both teams have hit lefties well this season, particularly the Nationals.
The Nats rank third in batting average (.261), on-base percentage (.336) and slugging (.776) against lefties.
Sanchez has had a very successful season, but his road ERA is nearly 1.5 runs higher than at Citizens Bank Park and he has not quite been at his best lately.
The Nats have been successful against lefties and could help turn things into a high-scoring game.
Six of the last seven head-to-heads have produced nine or more runs and this game is fancied to go over the total of eight, particularly if Jackson Kent’s struggles continue.
Alec Bohm over 1.5 total bases (+105)
Alec Bohm may not be a fan favorite at the Philadelphia Phillies but he has had some big moments this season, and he is slashing .306/.366/.457 since the All Star Break.
His free agency is upcoming, so the 2018 third overall pick will be looking to make an impression on potential suitors.
Bohm has also hit lefties well this year, with a .280 batting average, a .322 on-base percentage and an .804 OPS. Against a struggling lefty in the Nationals’ Kent, Bohm is taken to have two or more total bases.
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals Odds
Philadelphia Phillies | -238 |
Washington Nationals | +175 |
Run Line | PHI Phillies -1.5 |
Total | O/U 8.0 |
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals player props
Player Home Run Odds
Kyle Schwarber (PHI Phillies) | +290 |
Bryce Harper (PHI Phillies) | +500 |
Andres Chaparro (WAS Nationals) | +600 |
J.T. Realmuto (PHI Phillies) | +625 |
Trea Turner (PHI Phillies) | +625 |
James Wood (WAS Nationals) | +625 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
