POWER'S MLB DIVISION GAME OF MONTH (+$31K)
- Handicapper
- Power Sports
- League
- MLB
- Competition
- Philadelphia Phillies vs Atlanta Braves
- Time
- 05/23/2022 07:20 PM
- Bet Type
- Moneyline
- Pick
-
Philadelphia Phillies -120
(Caesars)
- Outcome
- Win
- Analysis
- 10* Philadelphia (7:20 ET): Though both teams enter this series eight games back of the Mets, with identical 19-22 records, I think it’s fair to say the Phillies have played far better than the reigning World Series Champion Braves in 2022. Philadelphia has a +11 run differential so far while Atlanta is -11. The last two weekends have seen the Phils be very competitive with the Dodgers, who are the best team in baseball, taking four of seven games including yesterday’s 4-3 final. The Phillies also have some revenge here after being swept late last season at Truist Park. I like the road team in today’s series opener.
Bryce Harper is just 1 for 8 since returning to the Phillies lineup, but it’s only a matter of time before he gets going at the plate again. Really, tonight should be a big game for the entire Phillies’ lineup, which is averaging 5.4 runs per game on the road. They face Tucker Davidson, a lefty with just one start under his belt. Davidson did throw five shutout innings in that lone start, but also did allow 5 ER earlier this year in his one stint as a reliever. The Phillies have hit lefties relatively well thus far and would seem to be “due” for a big offensive game on Monday after 10 straight games of facing the pitching of the Dodgers & Padres.
On the mound, Zack Wheeler should get the job done here for the visitors. Wheeler has allowed a total of just three runs over his last four starts, going 2-0 with a 1.04 ERA. In three of the four starts, he went at least six innings and didn’t give up a single run. He has 23 strikeouts against only two walks in his last three starts and last time we saw Wheeler he allowed just four hits against San Diego. The Braves have scored three runs or less in four of their last seven games (lost 4-3 Sunday in Miami) and they have a losing record at home. Wheeler has a 3.23 career ERA against them. 10* Philadelphia
