The Miami Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies meet Wednesday in MLB action from Citizens Bank Park. This will be the second installment in a three-game series between these teams this week. In the Tuesday opener, the Phillies eked out a one-run victory. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Miami played the Nationals over the weekend, posting wins Friday and Saturday for a split four-game series. In the Tuesday opener versus Philly, the Marlins scored three in the final two frames but it wasn’t enough in a 4-3 loss.
For the starter job in the Wednesday game, the Marlins will send out Jordan Holloway. This year Holloway is 1-2 with a 2.55 ERA and 14 strikeouts.
Over on the Phillies’ side, they played a one-off versus the Reds on Monday, losing 12-4. In the Tuesday opener versus Miami, Philly scored twice in the seventh on the way to the victory. Vince Velasquez went 7.0 innings with two hits and no earned.
For the starter in the Wednesday matchup, the Phillies are sending out Aaron Nola. Over his 90.2 total innings this year, Nola has 85 hits, 41 runs (40 earned), 12 homers allowed, 22 walks, 107 Ks and a 3.97 ERA.
The Marlins are 21-46 in their last 67 in game two of a series and 0-4 in their last four Wednesday games. The under is 9-4 in Miami’s lats 13 in game two of a series and 6-1 in their last seven Wednesday games.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are 18-8 in their last 26 home games with the total set at 7.0-8.5 and 2-8 in their last 10 with the total at 6.5 or lower. The under is 10-4 in Philly’s last 14 in game two of a series and 25-10 in their last 35 Wednesday games.
PICK: I’m going to stick with the Phillies. Nola had some trouble June 19 versus the Giants with 2.1 innings, three walks, six hits and six earned, but he’s been better lately otherwise. In two of his last three games, Nola has given up no earned on five hits and two walks in 13.0 innings with 21 Ks. If Nola can avoid giving up homers (he’s got five total in his last five starts), I think the Phillies will be fine in this one.