The Philadelphia Phillies will take on the San Diego Padres on Saturday night for Game 4 of the NLCS. The Phillies beat the San Diego Padres 4-2 on Friday to grab a 2-1 series lead. These teams have traded off wins, but Philly was able to defend home field last night after splitting the first two games in San Diego. Philly has a slight advantage with two upcoming home games, but we'll see if the visitors can even the series on Saturday.
Bailey Falter, who went 6-4 with a 3.86 ERA in the regular season, will be starting Saturday for Philadelphia. Falter has never made a postseason appearance in his career, so this is by far the most significant game he's ever started. The lefty was solid in this second half of the season, going 6-2 with a 3.38 ERA in 11 starts after the All-Star break. Still, he hasn't pitched since October 5th, so we'll see if this long layoff factors in tonight.
This Padres offense that he'll be up against ranked 15th in runs per nine innings and 15th in OPS, but they have really locked in this postseason. Falter will definitely have a quick leash tonight if he gets into any trouble, which could be the case if nerves settle in.
San Diego will go with Mike Clevinger, who went 7-8 with a 4.54 ERA in the regular season. Last time out in the NLDS, he was lit up, lasting just 2 2/3 innings, giving up six hits and four earned runs while fanning three.
Clevinger was the losing pitcher in the Padres' lone NLDS defeat to the Dodgers, but he'll need to be on top of his game tonight with his team trailing. The righty has 15 2/3 career playoff innings, but he's had mixed results. If Clevinger's stuff isn't sharp in the early going, look for this solid Phillies lineup, led by two-time MVP Bryce Harper, to pounce on the right-hander right away.
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San Diego Padres vs. Philadelphia Phillies Match Details
Fixture: San Diego Padres @ Philadelphia Phillies
Date & Time: Saturday, October 22, 7:45 p.m. EDT
Venue: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
San Diego Padres vs. Philadelphia Phillies Betting Odds
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San Diego Padres vs. Philadelphia Phillies Betting Prediction
There isn't much separating these teams talent-wise, but Falter's inexperience could be an issue for the home side. Philly could elect to go to their bullpen early, but there are only a few arms that manger Rob Thomson trusts out of the 'pen. Game 2 has been the only high-scoring contest so far, but expect both lineups to put some runs on the board early. Also expect the Padres to lead or be tied through five behind the more experienced Clevinger.
Prediction: Padres First 5 Innings +0.5 (-154) & First 5 Innings Game Total Over 4.5 (-102)
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