For a team that was supposed to have the easiest schedule for September, the Philadelphia Phillies certainly have not made things easy on themselves.
After dropping three of four to the visiting Colorado Rockies, they now host another fourth-place team that they should beat, the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs are 65-79 and hosted a fire sale at the trade deadline.
The Phillies are clinging to a 72-71 record, and if they lose tonight, will once again be at risk of finishing the season at or under .500. Their last winning season was their last division title in 2011.
What Time is the Phillies Game Today?
First pitch today is scheduled for 7:05 PM EST.
What Channel is the Phillies Game on Today?
Today’s Phillies game is available on NBC Sports Philadelphia, Marquee Sports Network, and MLB.TV (blackout restrictions may apply).
Phillies vs Cubs Odds Today
The Phillies are once again heavily favored on the moneyline, but if the last series taught us anything, that means absolutely nothing. They’re -215 (bet $215 to win $100) and the Cubs are +170 (bet $100 to win $170).
The spread has Chicago +1.5 at -110 (bet $110 to win $100) and the Phillies -1.5 at -110 (bet $110 to win $100).
If runs are your chance of choice, the over/under tonight is 9.5. The over is -105 (bet $105 to win $100) and the under is -115 (bet $115 to win $100).
Phillies Pitcher Today: Kyle Gibson
Kyle Gibson gets the start tonight opposite fellow former Texas Ranger Adrian Sampson, who has only started two games this season.
Sampson made his debut with one game in Seattle in 2016, and has missed significant time due to injury. This year, he has a 2.20 ERA over six total appearances, with 13 strikeouts and three walks issued over 16 1/3 innings. All four of the earned runs he has allowed have been home runs, so maybe the Phillies can take some BP off of him tonight.
Gibby has been exactly what the back-end of the Phillies rotation needed since his trade from Texas at the end of July. Aside from two poor starts that absolutely demolished his post-trade ERA, Gibson has been even-keeled. He’s pitched six or more innings in five of his eight starts for the Phils, and has allowed three earned runs or less in six of them.
The 33-year-old righty hasn’t faced the Cubs since the trade, but has faced them once in his career. Over five innings, he allowed two earned runs on six hits, walked three, and struck out six. That stat line is a perfect microcosm of his 2021 season. If Gibson can replicate that or better, the Phillies are set up for success tonight.
Phillies Starting Lineup
Check back later for the Phillies starting lineup!
Phillies vs Cubs Prediction Today
If the Phillies lose the series opener, they’re at .500 again. They’ve fallen to four and a half games out of first, and their playoff odds are plummeting.
They need a big, angry win, but I think they’ll eke out a close win instead. Predicting another Harper homer tonight, though.
Phillies vs Cubs Live Stream
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