We’ll get the rubber match on Sunday Night Baseball with the Phillies and Cardinals looking to continue their resurgence over the last few weeks.
They would love to continue on the right path with a series win on Sunday night against a possible October opponent.
Are The Phillies Back On Track?
The Phillies turned it around in June, going 19-8, and are now in the hunt for a playoff spot as we near the all-star break. Of course, their lineup took a big with the injury to Bryce Harper, who isn’t expected back until the end of August. The team is 3-3 since, but the offense is still playing well, averaging 6.1 runs per game.
Zack Wheeler is having another fantastic season with a 2.89 ERA and 10.4 strikeouts per nine. While his fastball has lost a little zip to it, averaging two MPH less than last year, he’s put more movement on the ball, which keeps that pitch effective. He’s also gained more confidence in his slider by going from throwing it on 15.9 of his pitches in 2020 to 30% this season.
Another strikeout for Zack Wheeler! pic.twitter.com/eUky0UD5xA
— Brodes Media (@BrodesMedia) June 29, 2022
Cardinals Bats Breakout?
The Cardinals have some incredible power in the lineup, especially with Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt in the middle, but even they couldn’t help this quiet lineup to start the year.
Going into May 1, they were 19th in slugging percentage (.357) and 24th in home run to fly ball ratio (7.0%). Since June 13, they’re fourth in slugging (.469) and ninth in home run to fly ball (13.9%). Nolan Arenando has been on a tear as he’s batting .390 with a 1.192 OPS in his last ten games and has three home runs in this series.
Cardinals hit FOUR straight HR’s against the Phillies‼️
Nolan Arenado = 💣
Nolan Gorman = 💣
Juan Yepez = 💣
Dylan Carlson = 💣#MLB #STLCards pic.twitter.com/tfWduQW8Mq— SportsGridTV (@SportsGridTV) July 2, 2022
Will Wainwright Swerve With The Curve?
Adam Wainright will get the start as the 40-year-old continues to defy his age. He still throws one of the best curveballs in the league as the average break of 22.5 inches leads the league, and the -7 run value is second. Surprisingly in a career that will end with a plaque in Cooperstown, he’s never won the Cy Young. He may not win it this year, but he’ll earn some votes with how well he’s pitched. We should see a good performance against a Phillies lineup that will try to lift the ball, but Wainwright will get them to hit over the top to induce ground balls, and it’s effective when gold gloves surround your infield.
Cardinals vs. Phillies Odds & Action
Where Is The Public/Sharp Money?
The Phillies opened at -135 on Saturday night, but the line has steadily increased, and it’s jumped to -160 on some sportsbooks.
Although Philadelphia is the favorite, bettors are feeling the Cardinals tonight as most of the tickets (63%) and money (68%) are flowing toward them.
Cardinals vs. Phillies Prediction
Suddenly, the Cardinals’ offensive power was clicking with four straight home runs yesterday and six total in this series.
Wheeler gave up some bombs at home against a power-hitting Atlanta lineup, who’s second in home runs per game, and he could let a couple more go in the bandbox of Citizen’s Bank.
Philly will try and power their way to a win, but if Wainwright can continue to keep the form that he’s had for almost 20 years, the Cardinals will walk away with a series win.
The pick: St. Louis Cardinals moneyline +135 on PointsBet
