'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Philadelphia Phillies entered Thursday's matchup 25 games ahead of the Miami Marlins in the NL East standings. However, baseball is an unpredictable game, and past performances provide no guarantees.
After jumping out to a 3-0 lead, the Marlins were able to knot the game in the seventh before an RBI double from Josh Bell put the Fish in front. A subsequent home run from Miami third baseman Jake Burger helped them win the contest 7-4.
On Friday, the two teams will square off for the second matchup of the four-game series. For the Phillies, Christopher Sanchez will get the ball. Now 5-3 with a 2.67 ERA on the season, Sanchez pitched seven scoreless innings in his last start against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Marlins, who sport the second-worst record in the National League, will send Kyle Tyler to the bump. Set to be just his second start of the season, Tyler will bring a 4.50 ERA to Friday's affair.
Phillies vs. Marlins Baseball Betting Odds
Where to Watch Phillies vs. Marlins
For fans in the Philadelphia area, the game will be available locally on NBCSP. For Miami Marlins fans, the game can be viewed on FOX Sports Florida and its associated apps.
For fans who wish to stream the game, both Fubo and MLB.TV provide options, albeit for a small price.
Phillies vs. Marlins Prediction
Despite the hiccup on Thursday, the Phillies remain the National League's best team. Moreover, Philadelphia's 31-13 home record puts them in the driver's seat for fixtures at Citizens Bank Park.
On Thursday, Bryce Harper of the Phillies hit his 20th home run of the season, and his fifth in the last two weeks. Over that span of time, the first baseman has hit .383 with an OPS of 1.189, enough to lead his team in both categories.
However, late in the game, Harper limped off with apparent hamstring pain, while Kyle Schwarber also exited with an injury. Though it is not determined how long they will be out for, an extended absence could spell trouble for the team. Regardless, the Phillies should still be able to win this affair.
Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies: -1.75 (115)
