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The San Diego Padres will host the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of the NLCS MLB playoffs tonight (October 18).
Not many people would have seen this matchup coming for the NLCS. The Philles knocked out the defending champs, the Atlanta Braves, while the Padres took down the Los Angeles Dodgers in a shocking NLDS round. The only two teams left in the NL were the two bottom seads coming into the postseason. After a short two-day break, we're back for some National League action.
The Padres will start the series as the favorites and will use RHP Yu Darvish in Game 1. Darvish has seen the Phillies seven times in his career and has a 2.23 ERA against them. The Padres have won two games in the postseason with Darvish on the mound. They will look to make that three at home where his ERA is a full run better. After giving their bullpen a couple of days of rest, the Padres will need everyone available to keep pace in Game 1.
As far as offensive production for the Padres, the entire lineup has been contributing. Manny Machado has led the team in BA, HR, and RBIs all season, while the rest of the lineup has delivered under pressure. The Phillies will have Zach Wheeler on the mound, so the Padres will face another huge test.
Wheeler has faced the Padres only once this season and has had seven shutout innings. The Philles have to feel good about their ace on the mound, even on the road.
If Wheeler can keep the Padres offense in check long enough for Bryce Harper and the Philles to find the offensive spark, the underdogs could steal Game 1 on the road. Harper has been leading the way for the Phillies' offensive production in the postseason. He has hit three home run shots and brought in six RBIs. It's difficult to see the momentum for either team slowing down.
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Philadelphia Phillies vs San Diego Padres Match Details
Fixture: Philadelphia Philles @ San Diego Padres
Date and Time: Tuesday, October 18; 8:03 pm EST
Venue: Petco Park
Philadelphia Phillies vs San Diego Padres Betting Odds
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Philadelphia Phillies vs San Diego Padres Betting Prediction
The starting pitchers will likely dominate for the most part, and well-rested bullpens could take over to keep the scoring low.
You can't put value on momentum, and both teams have no shortage of that right now. Expect starting pitchers to duel and keep the game close. The Phillies offense could get one last punch late on to take the win.
Prediction: Phillies Moneyline (+100) and Under 7 (-122)
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