The Arizona Diamondbacks, coming off their first loss in the 2023 MLB playoffs, will face the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday, October 17th, 2023 (8 PM ET). This will be Game 2 of the 2023 NLCS, one where Philadelphia will try to take a firm hold of the series after winning Game 1 5-3 on Monday night. My Diamondbacks vs Phillies prediction for Game 2 of the 2023 NLCS is that pitching reigns supreme. I think the bettors should be going with the UNDER for total runs.
Arizona vs Philadelphia Prediction: Recent MLB Headlines
The World Series is starting to shape up the Texas Rangers vs Philadelphia Phillies. Texas has taken a 2-0 lead in the ALCS -- with both wins coming in Houston's house. If the Phillies can go up 2-0, then that matchup in the Fall Classic will be all the more probable.
Starting Pitching: Philadelphia vs Arizona Game 2
The starting pitching for the upcoming NLCS game will be Merrill Kelly of the Diamondbacks against Aaron Nola of the Phillies. Both pitchers have seen action in the current playoffs.
Kelly pitched really well in the NLDS against the LA Dodgers. On October 7th, he went 6.1 innings and allowed no runs and just three hits in a game from Dodger Stadium. He also pitched well for most of September, with just one bad start hurting his numbers from the month. Arizona should feel some confidence in competing well in Game 2 with Kelly on the mound.
Aaron Nola, Philly's starter, is already 2-0 in the current playoffs. He has 12.2 innings of work so far, allowing just nine hits and two runs. He last pitched on October 11th, meaning that he will be fresh for this upcoming game.
Diamondbacks vs Phillies Prediction: Betting Tips
The UNDER for the total runs has been set at -105 and a total of 8.0 (bet365). The starting pitchers aren't just hot because they upped their games for the playoffs. These are guys that seemed to be coming into form late in the regular season.
Furthermore, these two teams haven't played a ton of games lately. They both advanced to the NLCS without going the maximum in the divisional round. You can count on the arms in the bullpens still being fresh. This looks like a game where bettors should be going with the UNDER for total runs accordingly.
Current 2023 World Series Odds (heading into Oct. 17)
To Win Outright MLB World Series (bet365)
TEX Rangers 5/4
PHI Phillies 7/5
HOU Astros 15/2
ARI Diamondbacks 8/1
Additional reading: NFL LIVE POWER RANKINGS
