Philadelphia Phillies vs. Boston Red Sox Prediction: Can Bryce Harper, Phillies Get to Chris Sale Tonight?
The Phillies host the Red Sox for the start of three-game series tonight. Can Bryce Harper and the Phillies Get to Chris Sale? Baseball betting expert Krabs breaks down the game.
Krabs - May 5, 2023, 4:03 PM EDT
5 minPhiladelphia Phillies vs. Boston Red Sox Prediction: Can Bryce Harper, Phillies Get to Chris Sale Tonight?
Bryce Harper may have returned to the lineup this week, but the Philadelphia Phillies have yet to capitalize. Bringing their slugger back for a series on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers was an interesting managerial decision, to say the least. On Friday night, Philadelphia welcomes the Boston Red Sox.
Boston has been red-hot over their last ten games, winning seven of them against solid teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and the Cleveland Guardians. The Red Sox have won their last six games and outscored their opponents 47-27 over that span. With Bryce Harper playing at home for the first time since the World Series, will Philadelphia’s sold-out crowd will their team to victory over the hottest team in baseball?
Phillies vs. Red Sox Start Time and Where to Watch
- Date: Friday, May 5, 2023
- Start Time: 7:05 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Boston Red Sox Prediction
The Phillies’ best hitter returned to the lineup like he never left, smacking three hits with a double in seven at-bats against the Dodgers this week. Harper looked in mid-season form, battling the count and working two walks. Yes, Harper struck out three times on Tuesday in his season debut, but that was against one of the best left-handed pitchers in baseball, Julio Urias. Tonight, Harper will get a much better matchup against Chris Sale and his 6.75 ERA.
On Wednesday, Harper looked like his old self with five great at-bats. He didn’t even record an out in Philly’s 10-6 loss. The Phillies have dropped both games since Harper’s return, a trend that should not continue much longer.
Philadelphia drew a bad hand with Harper returning on the road against the best roster in baseball. Now playing at home, Philly welcomes a Boston team on a six-game winning streak. The public may be overvaluing Boston’s recent success, as they hold one of the most significant home-field advantages in all of baseball. For years, the Red Sox have carried a “Boston tax” on their betting lines in home games. They play much better at Fenway Park. It will be a much different atmosphere as they travel to Philadelphia for Bryce Harper’s 2023 home debut.
For the first time this season, the Phillies are playing at home with a healthy lineup. Expect them to return to their 2022 World Series runner-up form, as this lineup is stacked from top to bottom, with Harper back in the middle of the order. Facing a washed-up lefty who’s given up at least five runs in nearly half of his starts this season, both the Philly crowd and bats will be buzzing tonight. Back the Phillies to take care of business in Harper’s home debut with their ace on the mound.
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Boston Red Sox Pick
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