Phillies vs. Brewers: Game 1 predictions, odds and picks — Sept 16, MLB 2024
The Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers start a three-game set today. Four games separate these two division leaders in the NL, which means this series could determine whether or not the Brewers have a chance to get the top seed. A good performance in the three-game set is imperative to those chances.
The Phillies are so close to locking up a division title and ensuring they make the playoffs this year. This series can be significant for seeding and doing well will help keep them rolling into October.
Phillies vs. Brewers recent form and records
The Philadelphia Phillies have been rolling lately. They're 7-3 in their last 10 games played and were the first MLB team to reach 90 wins. They're pretty close to wrapping up the division and each win, which they've had plenty of lately, gets them a step closer to the number one seed.
The Milwaukee Brewers have been 5-5 in their last 10 games. Overall, they're 86 and 63. They're 10 games up in the NL Central, so they're virtually assured of a playoff spot no matter what.
Players to Watch
Starting Pitchers
Ranger Suarez
Ranger Suarez has a 1.13 WHIP and 134 strikeouts in 138.2 innings. He is 12-6 with a 3.05 ERA.
Last start: 5.1 innings pitched, 12 hits, four earned runs, two walks, and two strikeouts.
Career vs. Brewers: 0-0 with a 2.87 ERA and 14 strikeouts in three outings.
Aaron Civale
Aaron Civale has a 1.32 WHIP and 136 strikeouts in 145.2 innings pitched. He is 6-8 with a 4.57 ERA.
Last Start: 5.1 innings pitched, three hits, two earned runs, one walk, and two strikeouts.
Career vs. Phillies: Has not yet faced the Phillies.
Must-watch Hitters
Phillies
Bryce Harper is eight for his last 22, with two home runs in six games played. He also has four runs, four doubles, three RBI, and three walks during that span, so he's been hot.
Kyle Schwarber's elite power season continues, as the slugger has seven home runs in the month of September. He also has 16 hits, 13 runs scored, 13 RBI, and six walks this month.
Brewers
Brice Turang is seven for his last 21. Through his previous six games, he has six runs, one RBI, and three walks as well.
Jackson Chourio is also playing well. He has eight hits in his last six games played, recording three doubles, a triple, two home runs, eight RBI, and two walks.
Phillies vs. Brewers Baseball Betting Odds
Phillies vs. Brewers expert picks and game prediction
The Phillies are the better team here and they've got the pitching advantage. They have also been better of late and are a stronger lineup. However, the Brewers are at home and while they don't need much to win the division, seeding is important.
Despite that, the Phillies should win this one. They're simply too talented and Suarez, who has been a Cy Young candidate at times, vs. Civale is a matchup they'll take any day of the week.
Run Spread: +1.5
Runline: Under 8
Prediction: Phillies 5, Brewers 2