The Pittsburgh Pirates (40-59) will host the Philadelphia Phillies (52-47) on Friday in the second contest of a four-game series. On Thursday, the Phillies jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the the top of 7th inning, but barely held on to an 8-7 win due to a five-run rally by the Pirates in the bottom of the ninth.
The Phillies won their second straight game Thursday and currently sit third in the NL East, 9.5 games behind first-place New York. The Phillies are also tied with the Cardinals for the final Wild Card spot. Philadelphia is 26-22 on the road and has been the sixth best money team for sports bettors at +$602 when away from their home fans, according to covers.com. The Phillies also have a winning 16-13 record against southpaws.
G'night.#RingTheBell x @IBX
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 29, 2022
Thursday's victory did not come easy. Relief pitcher Jeurys Familia came in the 9th inning and allowed five runs while only recording one out. Fortunately for Phillie's backers, Seranthony Dominguez was able to get the final two outs and locked down his sixth save of the season.
The balance for Philadelphia has been strong, with the offense ranking fifth with 4.7 runs per game, sixth with 127 home runs, and eighth with 61 stolen bases. On the mound, they are ninth with a 3.83 ERA. Bailey Falter is scheduled to start for the Phillies. He is 0-3 with a 5.18 ERA in 10 games and six starts this season.