Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Philadelphia Phillies Best Bet: Will Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks Strike Early in Philly?
The Philadelphia Phillies will look to keep the bats going in Game 2 of the NLCS against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Can Corbin Carroll and the Dbacks strike back early as they look to even the series? Ben Rajavuori answers with his Diamondbacks vs. Phillies best bet.
Ben Rajavuori - October 17, 2023, 4:38 PM EDT
5 minArizona Diamondbacks vs. Philadelphia Phillies Best Bet: Will Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks Strike Early in Philly?
The Diamondbacks caught their first loss of the season last night, falling to the Phillies 3-5. The pitching matchup was a good one last night between Zac Gallen and Zack Wheeler, and tonight we have another good one between Merrill Kelly and Aaron Nola. With how these two teams are playing, there is one clear bet I love tonight in game two.
Diamondbacks vs. Phillies Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: October 17, 2023
- Game Time: 8:07 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: TBS
Diamondbacks vs. Phillies Odds
- Spread: Diamondbacks +1 (-109), Phillies -1 (-112)
- Total Odds: Under 7.5 (-105), Over 7.5 (-103)
- Moneyline Odds: Diamondbacks (+145), Phillies (-160)
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Philadelphia Phillies Prediction
The Phillies got the scoring started early last night by hitting two home runs in the first of Gallen, including a leadoff home run from Kyle Schwarber, who had been in a slump up until that point. This hot start came as no surprise if you have been following the MLB postseason, as the Phillies are first overall in the playoffs with 16 home runs. Not far behind them is the Diamondbacks, who have hit 14 home runs. The two teams combined are hitting 4.6 home runs per game.
These two offenses have been crushing it in the first inning during the postseason. The Phillies are hitting .355 with a 1.052 OPS in the first inning of their seven postseason games so far, while the Diamondbacks have been hitting .370 with a 1.012 OPS. The offenses have been hot as a whole, but the top of the order for both teams has been even hotter.
For the Phillies, Kyle Schwarber is 3-for-7 for a .429 average in the first inning this postseason. Trea Turner is right behind him is 3-for-7 with a .429 average. Bryce Harper, hitting third, is 2-for-5 for a .400 average in the first inning with a walk as well. These guys have just been crushing it to lead off these postseason games so far.
For the Diamondbacks, they have seen similar success in the opening inning. Corbin Carroll is 2-for-5 in the first inning this postseason for a .400 average and a walk as well. Ketel Marte is 2-for-6 with a .333 average and a walk. Tommy Pham is 2-for-6 with a .333 average. These guys have been hot as well.
These teams have both power and speed at the top of the order. Schwarber, Turner, and Harper can hit a home run at any time, and so can Castellanos behind them in the four-spot. Turner can also steal a base if he gets on, and work his way into scoring position. The Diamondbacks also have power at the top of their order, and more importantly, they have been extremely aggressive on the bases. They have so many guys that can steal, like Carroll and Pham at the top of the order. Carroll had 54 stolen bases this season and can take off at any time. With how much speed and power at the top of both orders, it's easy to see why a first-inning run is not only not out of the question, but I expect another one.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Philadelphia Phillies Pick
The Diamondbacks have seen a run scored in the first inning of five of their six postseason games. The total is only 7.5 for the game, but the YRFI is closer to even, suggesting a first inning run may come again. I love seeing a run across the board in the first again.
Pick: Diamondbacks/Phillies Yes Run in the First Inning -105 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
MLB Odds
