The Philadelphia Phillies avoided a disasterous sweep at the hands of the first-place Washington Nationals Sunday night, but still find themselves at the basement of the NL East. They can gain back some of that ground this week as they start another series against the New York Mets on Monday night.
A perfect time for Roy Halladay to return the mound. Despite still slumping offensively, Halladay makes the Phillies a 1 1/2 run favorite, according to Bovada, with a -175 moneyline.
Philadelphia lost two of three over the weekend, saving Sunday’s game with an unusual offensive explosion of nine runs. The Phillies haven’t been able to overcome their offensive ineptitude, scoring one or zero runs nine times this season and averaging just 3.76 per game.
Meanwhile, New York has been able to keep pace in the division, and not by beating up weaker teams. They are 10-5 against division foes, including two of three against Philadelphia. The Mets are 7-3 in one-run games, positioning themselves to compete even when pitcher’s like Halladay are on the mound.
Halladay hasn’t been his usual self lately, though, surrendering 13 runs in his last 19 1/3 innings. His last time out May 2 against the Atlanta Braves was a nightmare, giving up eight runs and 12 hits in less than six innings.
Outside of catcher Josh Thole, New York’s lineup hasn’t fared as well recently against Halladay, though. Thole is a career 7 for 16 against him, but the rest of the lineup is 19 for 109.
New York’s Jonathan Niese has plenty of momentum himself, throwing a gem his last time out against the Phillies. Despite an ERA over 4, Niese went 6 2/3 scoreless innings April 14 against the division rivals. He’s 4-4 lifetime against them with a 3.58 ERA. He wasn’t so good in his last start overall, though, giving up two home runs in a loss to the Houston Astros.
“It’s just one of those games where it gets away from you early,” Niese told the team’s website. “You’ve just got to put it in the past and get ready for the next start.”
No hitter is hotter going into Philadelphia than third baseman David Wright, who has posted a .407 batting average with three taters, seven RBI and 11 runs in his last 14 visits.