by James Q
Saturday, Aug 14, 2021Cincinnati Reds Vs Philadelphia Phillies Prediction, Odds, Preview 08/15/2021
Game Time: 1:05 pm ET, Sunday August 15th 2021
Venue: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Where to Watch: Bally Sports Ohio, NBCSP
Season-to-Date Record:
Reds: 63-54 (2nd place NL Central)
Phillies: 60-56 (tied for 1st place, NL East), (with Atlanta Braves)
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks:
DraftKings: Moneyline odds: Reds -105 Phillies -115; Over/Under: 8 runs
Bet365: Moneyline odds: Reds -110 Phillies -110; Over/Under 8.5 runs
BetMGM: Moneyline odds: Reds -105 Phillies -115; Over/Under 8 runs
Key Injuries:
Reds: Jesse Winker missed Friday and is Day to Day with lower back tightness. He missed Friday (Reds win 6-1) the first game, will be tested again to see if he can go Saturday (results not in) for the middle game of a three-game series, but should be back Sunday (our game).
Phillies: Rhys Hoskins (groin) out. This is tough for the Phils. Rys is a star at the plate. He’ll be missing this finale of their three-game home series (not to mention the second game of a three-game). It’ll end up being 9 straight games missed at a crucial point in the season.
Recent Lineups:
REDS:
J. India, 2B
T. Naquin, LF
N. Castellanos, RF
J. Votto, 1B
M. Moustakas, 3B
T. Barnhart, C
E. Suarez, SS
S. Akiyama, CF
T. Naquin, LF
N. Castellanos, RF
J. Votto, 1B
M. Moustakas, 3B
T. Barnhart, C
E. Suarez, SS
S. Akiyama, CF
PHILLIES:
O. Herrera, CF
J. Segura, 2B
B. Harper, RF
J. Realmuto, C
D. Gregorius, SS
A. McCutchen, LF
B. Miller, 1B
R. Torreyes, 3B
O. Herrera, CF
J. Segura, 2B
B. Harper, RF
J. Realmuto, C
D. Gregorius, SS
A. McCutchen, LF
B. Miller, 1B
R. Torreyes, 3B
Statistical Leaders:
REDS:
Batting Average: Nick Castellanos (.319)
Hits: Jesse Winker (129)
Home Runs: Joey Votto (26)
RBI: Joey Votto (75)
Stolen Bases: Jonathan India (8)
Wins: Tyler Mahle (10)
Saves: Heath Hembree (8)
ERA: Wade Miley (3.00)
PHILLIES:
Batting Average: Jean Segura(.310)
Hits: Jean Segura (105)
Home Runs: Rhys Hoskins (24)
RBI: Rhys Hoskins (68)
Stolen Bases: Bryce Harper (12)
Wins: Zach Wheeler (10)
Saves: Hector Neris (12)
ERA: Zach Wheeler (2.56)
Managers:
Reds: David Bell; Nick Krall GM
Phillies: Joe Girardi; Sam Fuld GM
Recent Form:
The Reds have gone 7-3 over their last ten games. Posting 7 Overs and 3 Unders. After a dormant July the offense has come alive in Aug…. Can they keep it up through September? They went 1-2 against the Atlanta Braves, lost a one off game to the Cleveland Indians, but swept the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-0.. Getting a lot out of their plate appearances.
The Phillies have also gone 7-3 over their last ten games. 6 Unders, 3 Overs, and a Push. They went 1-2 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but swept the New York Mets 3-0, swept the Washington Nationals 3-0 in our nation’s capital.
Series History:
Statistical Comparison:
The Reds are 5th in team batting average .266, 5th in runs scored 592, and 5th in homers 161. Fans are treated to solid offensive production when they buy Cincinnati Reds tickets. Lest you think they are 5th in everything… They are 4th in total hits 1006. Solid show, good numbers. They will be without Jesse Winker, so someone will have to step up a bit.
The Reds Pitching is where this team drifts in the wind. They are 18th in ERA at 4.45. That won’t get a postseason run or push done... unless there are some prospects waiting in the wings to get that number fixed.
The Phillies are 14th in team batting average .241, 15th in runs scored, 18th in homers. With Rhys Hpkins on the 10day IL … It’s time for Bryce Harper to step up. When Rhys gets back, it’ll still be time for Bryce Harper to step up. Bryce Harper is being paid roughly the value of Guam each year, he should be leading the Team in a few of the major offensive stat lines. (A part of me wants to see him on the Angels chatting with Trout and Ohtani about being great but never having to win)
The Phillies Pitchers are 17th in team ERA 4.41,... just one spot better than the Reds.
Big Al is 66-34 MLB Underdog of the Month. Get Big AL’s winning percentage to work for you and don’t forget to visit our shop picks page everyday for more picks from our Champion Handicappers!
Reds Vs Phillies
Game Preview:
The Reds will start right handed pitcher Sonny Gray 4-6, 4.40 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 111 Strikeouts, in 86 innings pitched. Sonny was a 2011 first round pick (Oakland Athletics). His nickname is “Pickles”, no one calls him “Ace”. The 31 year old Vanderbilt product is a solid, average guy to have in the starting rotation, but probably is more fit for the Bullpen. He has a good strikeouts per innings pitched ratio, but also gives up a fair amount of hits (40 in 36 innings over his last seven starts) from the mound. He’ll be in search of a victory against a guy who is only slightly better than him.
Center of the diamond for the Phillies will be righty Aaron Nola 7-6, 4.35 ERA, 1.14 Whip, 159 strikeouts in 130 innings pitched. Aaron was a National League all-star in 2018. A 2014 first round pick (7th overall) by these Phillies. His brother Austin Nola is a Catcher in the Padres organization. Again solid strike-out numbers but gives up a few too many hits.
Notable quotes:
"He's so locked in, it's unbelievable to watch,....It's crazy to watch. I don't know how else to put it." Tyler Mahle about Joey Votto’s 15 homers in the last 22 games.
"My last two weeks haven't been very good, so I better figure it out if I want to get involved in that competition….But I just care about is my teammates and winning ballgames. All want to do is win, get into the postseason and play deep into October. If I'm playing well and those things can happen, those accolades will come." Bryce Harper… commenting on his name being discussed as possible National League MVP. It shouldn’t be, but it is.
Reds Vs Phillies Prediction: Our MLB Pick for Sunday August 15th game is Reds 6 Phillies 8. I wouldn’t bet this moneyline, because of the equal risk of either pitcher going on a streak of strikeouts or giving up hits (their numbers suggest a coin flip). I would however TAKE THE OVER..
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James Q
About the Author:
James Q. has been involved with sports and gambling his entire life. A former division 1 scholarship basketball player, James understands sports (and especially basketball) inside-and-out. Following his basketball playing days, James parlayed his gambling skills into a semi-pro poker career. James resides in Los Angeles, and especially loves the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Rams, and Los Angeles Dodgers. And when he isn't betting on sports (and writing about it), James can be found performing stand-up comedy on the Sunset Strip.
