Arizona Diamondbacks vs Philadelphia Phillies 10/17/2023 NLCS Predictions, Tips and Preview

Arizona Diamondbacks vs Philadelphia Phillies 10/17/2023 – The National League Championship Series is in full swing, and baseball fans across the nation are watching eagerly as the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. This clash of titans promises to be a thrilling showdown that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s dive into the matchup and see what’s in store for these two contenders. The best MLB betting lines are updated below for bettors to place their bets on their favorite teams.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs Philadelphia Phillies 10/17/2023

Arizona Diamondbacks vs Philadelphia Phillies 10/17/2023

Team	RL	TOTAL	ML
Diamondbacks	+1.5 -150	o7.5 -110	+147
Phillies	-1.5 +130	u7.5 -110	-160

One run at a time. pic.twitter.com/z4bFVGD99J

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) October 17, 2023

Arizona Diamondbacks

In the series opener, Arizona found themselves limited to just four hits and struck out ten times during a 5-3 road loss against the formidable Philadelphia Phillies. Starting pitcher Zac Gallen had a tough night, giving up five runs in five innings, which ultimately led to the Diamondbacks’ loss. As they look ahead to the next game, they’ll be keen to bounce back and even the series.

For the upcoming clash, the Diamondbacks will send thirty-five-year-old righty Merrill Kelly (12-8, 3.29 ERA) to the mound. In his last outing, Kelly delivered an impressive performance, striking out five batters over six-plus shutout frames, securing an 11-2 road victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kelly’s ability to control the game will be essential for Arizona’s success in Game Two.

During the regular season, the Arizona Diamondbacks ranked 17th in OPS and 14th in runs scored, displaying their well-rounded offensive abilities. In contrast, the Philadelphia Phillies impressed with a 6th-place ranking in OPS and 8th place in runs scored. The clash between the Diamondbacks’ balanced approach and the Phillies’ offensive firepower will be a key aspect to watch in this series.

Philadelphia Phillies

On the other side of the field, the Philadelphia Phillies are determined to make their second straight World Series appearance, and they’ve shown remarkable prowess in the playoffs with a jaw-dropping 1.74 team ERA. In the previous game, Philadelphia starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (2-0) was in stellar form, allowing just two runs and striking out eight batters across six frames to earn the win. Bryce Harper, Nick Castellanos, and Kyle Schwarber all made their mark with home runs, highlighting the Phillies’ offensive might.

Pitching duties for the Phillies will fall to thirty-year-old right-hander Aaron Nola (12-9, 4.46 ERA) in Game Two. Nola has been in impressive form, with Philadelphia securing victories in his last six starts. He’s given up only 12 runs (11 earned) over his last 33-plus innings, proving his consistency and reliability on the mound.

Injury news has also been making waves, with Philadelphia’s first baseman Rhys Hoskins working his way back from a knee injury. There’s a possibility that he could return for the World Series, which would add another dimension to the Phillies’ offensive lineup.

Phillies Look to Secure Game 2

As the National League Championship Series unfolds, baseball enthusiasts have plenty of exciting moments to look forward to. Both teams have demonstrated their strengths and have unique qualities that could influence the outcome of the series. The quest for a World Series appearance is a driving force for both the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies, setting the stage for a thrilling battle on the baseball diamond.

While predicting the exact result of Game Two is challenging, one thing to keep an eye on is the dynamics of the game and the role of the total points scored, often referred to as the Over/Under (O/U). This aspect of the game has been significant in recent matchups for both teams.

Phillies Start With a Bang

The game started with a bang for the Phillies, as Kyle Schwarber hit a home run in the very first pitch, setting the tone for their dominating performance. Bryce Harper, a key player in the postseason, delivered an outstanding performance in Game One, tallying one home run, two hits, and two runs. The Phillies will rely on this momentum as they prepare for the upcoming game.

As for the Diamondbacks, they mounted a late rally but couldn’t bridge the gap, resulting in their loss in the previous game. While they managed to score two runs in the 5th inning and another run in the 6th, it wasn’t enough to secure the victory. Geraldo Perdomo’s home run and two RBIs were highlights in an otherwise challenging game. Merrill Kelly is set to take the mound for the Diamondbacks, with an impressive 1-0 record and a pristine ERA of 0.00. Kelly’s performance will be pivotal for the Diamondbacks to bounce back in the series.

As we eagerly await Game Two, one element to watch for is the pitching matchup, as both teams boast talented starting pitchers. Merrill Kelly and Aaron Nola will carry the weight of their respective teams on their shoulders, and their performances could be game-changing.

Betting Trends

Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games.
DBacks are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games against Philadelphia.
Arizona are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road.
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Arizona’s last 17 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia.
Arizona are 10-1 SU in their last 11 games against an opponent in the National League.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona’s last 6 games against an opponent in the National League East Division

Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games.
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Philadelphia’s last 18 games against Arizona.
Philadelphia are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Philadelphia’s last 17 games when playing at home against Arizona.
Philadelphia are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games against an opponent in the National League.
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia’s last 11 games against an opponent in the National League West Division