Getting the start for the Phillies (52-46, 26-27 away) will be Aaron Nola against Xzavion Curry for the Guardians (49-49, 26-22 home). Today marks game three of their series, with the Guardians currently holding the 2-0 lead. Read on to see my best bet for this Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cleveland Guardians matchup.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES VS CLEVELAND GUARDIANS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Cleveland Guardians +1.5 Runs

This game will be played at Progressive Field at 1:40 ET on Sunday, July 23rd.

WHY BET THE CLEVELAND GUARDIANS:

  • In their previous five games, the Guardians are 4-1 vs. the runline.
  • The Guardians are on a two game runline winning streak as the home underdog.
  • Across Xzavion Curry’s one starts, the Guardians have put together a record of 1-0.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES TRYING TO CLOSE GAP IN NL EAST

Entering game 99 of their season, the Phillies are 11.5 games out in the NL East and are in 2nd place. So far, their overall series record stands at 17-12-2. Philadelphia’s road winning percent is currently 49.1% (26-27) compared to 57.8% at home (26-19).

Aaron Nola is set to take the mound for Philadelphia, having gone six-plus innings in three straight starts. His current ERA stands at 4.27 and he holds a 9-6 record. He has struck out 126 batters, with a WHIP of 1.08 and WOBA allowed of .286. Additionally, he has issued 30 walks this season.

Aaron Nola earned the victory in his most recent start, surrendering two earned runs and five hits over 7 1/3 innings against Milwaukee. The Phillies emerged victorious in the 4-3 contest.

So far this season, the Phillies’ has gone deep 109 times, placing them 17th in the league. Over Philadelphia’s previous five games, they are 18th in runs scored, with their season average of 4.5 runs per game putting them 17th in the league. The Phillies’ overall team batting average stands at .256 along with an OBP of .319.

Over the last five games, Bryson Stott has been a major contributor to the Phillies’ offense, leading the team with one home run. Across the season, he has hit nine long balls and boasts an impressive .305 batting average.

WILL THE CLEVELAND GUARDIANS TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS AT HOME?

The Guardians will be looking for their 3rd straight win in today’s game and have an overall record of 49-49. At home, Cleveland has put together a record of 26-22 while going 23-27 on the road. Currently, they are in 2nd place in the AL Central.

The Guardians will look to Xzavion Curry to take the mound, as the starter has a 3-0 record in 24 appearances this season. His ERA is 2.86, and he has struck out 6.08 batters per nine innings. Additionally, his FIP is 3.94 and opponents are batting .272 against him.

Xzavion Curry had a brief appearance on the mound in the Guardians’ 11-0 victory over the Pirates, lasting three innings and giving up no runs on one hit. Despite not earning a decision, he was instrumental in securing the win for his team.

The Guardians have been one of the top power lineups in the league of late, having hit 7 home runs over their last five games. Compared to other clubs, this is 5th best in that span. For the season, they are ranked 27th in home runs and 22nd in slugging percentage. Overall, Cleveland is averaging 4.2 runs per game (26th).

José Ramírez has been a consistent offensive force for the Indians this season, boasting a .295 batting average and .497 slugging percentage. In the team’s last ten games, he has been even more impressive, leading Cleveland with hits and hitting at a .331 clip.