The 2023 NLCS in the MLB playoffs will continue on Thursday. In upcoming action, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Arizona Diamondbacks will face one another on October 19th, 2023 in what will be Game 3 of their best-of-seven series (3:00 PM ET). That is an early start time with Houston and Texas to follow. My Phillies vs Diamondbacks prediction is that the latter will make this game close and that bettors should be looking at Arizona's handicap.
Philadelphia vs Arizona Prediction: Recent MLB News
The Phillies own a 2-0 series lead in the NLCS. Furthermore, they won the last game very comfortably, handing Arizona a 10-0 loss on October 17th. But they say that you are never really in trouble until you lose a game at home in a seven-game series. If the D'backs can answer with two wins from Phoenix in the upcoming days, then that will leave all to play for in the National League Championship Series. However, the red-hot Philadelphia Phillies are definitely going to be thinking sweep or five games at the most at this point in the series.
Starting Pitching: Ranger Suarez vs Brandon Pfaadt
The Arizona Cardinals have little firepower available for this game. The team will be sending out rookie Brandon Pfaadt. Philadelphia will counter with a far more reliable starting pitcher, Ranger Suarez.
Pfaadt has appeared in two games already in the postseason for a total of just seven innings. In his first start, he gave up a lot of hits early against Milwaukee in the Wild Card round but the batters on Arizona bailed out his performance. In his most recent start, he blanked the LA Dodgers but was limited to 4.1 innings. You have to think that he will be used conservatively in Game 3 for Arizona.
This situation could certainly be viewed as a tough one for the rookie. Yet, it cannot be denied that he hasn't been all bad news in recent games. In addition to his effectiveness against LA, Pfaadt was not that bad in August and September. He is also well-rested heading into Game 3 of the NLCS.
Suarez, Philadelphia's starter, has been very good in his limited action. He appeared in two games against the Atlanta Braves, games that the Phillies won. Suarez went 8.2 innings strong in the two outings combined, allowing just one earned run. He barely walked anyone (one BB) and he is part of the reason that the Phillies are where they are right now.
Phillies vs Diamondbacks Prediction: Betting Tips
This is a game that should not be like the first two in the series. Arizona returning home will feel like they are being extended a lifeline. They don't have the pitcher you want on the mound but Suarez has no long-term success. Yes, he was good against Atlanta but Suarez didn't have a great September. You have to think that the Diamondbacks will answer back in this game to some extent. Look for this one to be close. My recommendation is the handicap on Arizona at +1.5 (-140) (bet365).
MLB World Series Odds (Prior to Game 3 of the ALCS)
Win Only (bet365)
PHI Phillies +110
TEX Rangers +125
HOU Astros +750
ARI Diamondbacks +1500
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