The Phillies were able to win last night's abbreviated series opener behind new pitcher acquisition, Noah Syndergaard. The Nationals also added to their starting rotation with MacKenzie Gore from the Padres in the Juan Soto blockbuster trade. However, he immediately went on the injured list. As if things in Washington couldn't get any worse, something else always seems to come up. This is still an important series for the Phillies, as they try to keep themselves at the top of the wildcard race until the return of Bryce Harper. With so much going on with both teams, there a re plenty of ways to make Friday's game profitable. Along with this same game parlay, be sure to check out our thoughts on the side and total for all of today's games.
Phillies ML (-215)
Under 9.5 total runs (-164)
Kyle Schwarber 2+ total bases (+115)
Parlay odds: +457
Let's take a closer look at each leg of our same game parlay.
Phillies ML (-215)
After having a former ace in Syndergaard open up the series, the Nats aren't catching much of a break on Friday. While it won't be their true ace Zack Wheeler just yet, Kyle Gibson has been solid this season. Despite being divisional opponents, he's somehow avoided pitching against Washington this season. It's safe to say he's lucked out in that regard, with the Nationals now-depleted lineup. That should allow Gibson to record back-to-back wins after helping the Phillies handle the Braves 7-2 in his most recent start.
If Philly can convincingly defeat 1 of the league's best teams behind Gibson, they should have no issue in doing so against the Nats. Washington will be giving it their best shot, as they're starting their ace and former-Dodger Josiah Gray. However, that's more of a title by default, as the Nats have the worst overall pitching staff in baseball. Therefore, it's no surprise why they remain with the league's worst record as well. There was always the hope that they could get enough run support behind Soto and Josh Bell, but that dream has obviously shattered. Washington has lost by multiple runs in 4 of Gray's last 5 starts, and losing their best players doesn’t give any confidence in them keeping this game close.