The Philadelphia Phillies will look to bolster their lead in the National League East by facing off against the San Diego Padres today, marking the first game in a three-match series. After their recent 2-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies (49-35) have a comfortable 1.5-game lead over the New York Mets. With a strong home record of 26-14, Philadelphia has come out on top in six of their last seven games at Citizens Bank Park.
Zack Wheeler (7-3, 2.45 ERA) is expected to deliver a strong performance as he aims to improve his lifetime record against the Padres to 5-1. Meanwhile, the Padres, fresh off a tough weekend series against Cincinnati, will have Matt Waldron make his debut of the season after recovering from an oblique injury sustained in spring training. The current betting odds from SportsLine favor Philadelphia at -223, with a total set at 9.
In addition to the thrilling Padres-Phillies match, remain tuned for seven other MLB games and a Round-of-16 face-off in the FIFA Club World Cup.
⚾ MLB Best Bets and Viewing Information
Padres at Phillies
- Time: 6:35 p.m. ET
- Location: Philadelphia
- TV: MLB Network
SportsLine predictions: Padres +184 | Expert prediction: Phillies -1.5 runs.
Wheeler has displayed impressive form since mid-April, maintaining a streak of allowing two runs or fewer in 11 of his last 12 starts. The veteran pitcher has recorded a total of just two earned runs and 32 strikeouts across 23 innings in his last four outings this month. Last season, the Phillies had a dominant record against the Padres, winning five of their six encounters.
“Wheeler is expected to perform excellently against an overrated Padres lineup,” notes SportsLine expert Matt Snyder. However, the model from SportsLine leans towards a San Diego victory in this opening game at +184.
Giants at Diamondbacks
- Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
- Location: Phoenix
- TV: FS1
SportsLine predictions: Diamondbacks +1.5 runs.
Both squads from the NL West are seeking to snap their current losing streaks. San Francisco has lost five of their last six, while Arizona enters their four-game series with a four-game losing streak. Giants starter Logan Webb (7-5, 2.52 ERA) boasts a 7-3 record against the Diamondbacks throughout his career and has remained undefeated with a 1.85 ERA in five starts this month. On the flip side, Arizona’s righty Ryne Nelson (4-2, 3.71) has also shown strength lately, yielding only a single run across his last three games. SportsLine model sees Arizona clinching a close victory at +113.
⚽ FIFA Club World Cup Best Bets, Where to Watch
Manchester City vs. Al Hilal
- Time: 9 p.m.
- Location: Orlando, Fla.
- TV: TBS, DAZN
SportsLine predictions: Manchester City Over 2.5 goals.
Manchester City has excelled in the group stage, outscoring their opponents 13-2 while clinching victory in all three matches, securing the top position in Group G. In contrast, Al Hilal managed only one goal and recorded just three throughout their series, finishing second in Group H behind Real Madrid. SportsLine soccer expert Jon Eimer has faith that Manchester City will overpower the Saudi team defensively. “This team is on an unstoppable path right now, and I believe their Round-of-16 opponent won’t matter; they’ll aim to steamroll them!”
