The Milwaukee Brewers are hosting the Philadelphia Phillies this weekend for a three game series at Miller Park. The Brewers won the first game of the series, blowing out the Phillies, 13-2. The Brewers scored five runs in the second inning and chased former Cy Young Award winner, Jake Arrieta early in the series opener.
Milwaukee continues to lead the National League Central division, but the Cubs have closed the gap in recent weeks. The Phillies appeared to be ready to contend for a playoff spot this season, but have cooled off and are now in third place in the NL East. The Milwaukee Brewers are -132 over the Phillies in game two of the series.
Brewers Trying to Stay Hot
After briefly losing the lead in the NL Central, the Brewers have responded by winning the previous three games. Milwaukee took the final two games in their series with the Cubs, before pounding the Phillies on Friday night. Milwaukee appears to be a real threat to reach the playoffs, and possibly take the Central Division crown from the Cubs.
The Brewers went out and signed Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain in the offseason, and these two players have led the Milwaukee offensive charge this season. Yelich leads the team in batting average, hitting .301 so far in 2018. Lorenzo Cain sets the table for the dangerous Brewers lineup, and is a force on the basepaths as well. Milwaukee upgraded their team in a big way last winter, and the free agent acquisitions are paying off in a big way.
Eflin Gets the Start for Philly
After getting blown out in the series opener, the Phillies will send young Zach Eflin to the mound for game two on Saturday. Eflin will be making his eighth start of the season on Saturday, but has been solid for the Phillies this season. Eflin is 3-2 with a 3.62 ERA so far in 2018, and will be looking to find a way to cool off the Brewers on Saturday.
The Phillies have struggled to score runs in 2018, and it’s one of the biggest reasons they have fallen to third place in the NL East. Carlos Santana leads the team in both home runs (10) and runs batted in (38). The Phillies might be looking to add a bat at the trade deadline, but they also are in need of someone to step up. Philadelphia knows that they will have to outscore the Brewers in game two of the series.
Brewers Win Again
The Phillies were the surprise team in baseball after the first six weeks, but have quickly fallen off the pace in the NL East. Free agent signee, Jake Arrieta, got rocked in the series opener. Philadelphia must find a way to score runs on offense if they are going to get back into the playoff hunt.
The Brewers just continue to win, and show no signs of giving up the top spot in the NL Central division. Milwaukee pounded out 13 runs in the series opener, but also have the potential to win a 1-0 game due to their dominant pitching staff. Look for the Brewers to win game two on Saturday, and set up a chance at a sweep on Sunday. Bet the Milwaukee Brewers -132 over the Phillies.