Phillies vs. Astros Preview: Pitching Matchup and Props for Sept. 9

The Philadelphia Phillies (81-64) will try to even their home series with the Houston Astros (74-71) at 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, sending star lefty Cristopher Sánchez to the mound against Astros righty Hunter Brown. The Phillies gave their best effort at a comeback on Sept. 8 but fell 6-5; tonight’s game will feature beautiful late summer weather, with a first pitch temperature around 82 degrees, humidity between 60 and 70 percent, and nine mile per hour breezes out of the south-southwest. Gusts up to 21 miles per hour could give offense a jolt.

NBC Sports Philadelphia holds the broadcasting rights for this matchup, as per usual.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: AST +135 / PHI -163
• Run Line: AST +1.5 (-152) / PHI -1.5 (+127)
• Over/Under: 8 (Over -113 / Under -107)

Pitching Matchup

Both Sánchez (2.58 ERA, 181.1 innings pitched, 1.20 WHIP and 10.27 K/9) and Brown (3.31 ERA, 87 innings pitched, 1.30 WHIP, 9.62 K/9) have enjoyed successful seasons after placing in the top three of last year’s Cy Young voting. Brown missed two months due to injury but hasn’t missed a beat on the mound. He’s shoved against the Phillies over 24 career at-bats, holding them to two hits (.083 batting average), one walk and nine strikeouts.

Backup catcher Rafael Marchán and Bryson Stott each singled off Brown; Brandon Marsh has three strikeouts in three at-bats, while Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber both have two strikeouts in three at-bats. Garrett Stubbs, the Phillies’ other backup catcher, has the lone free pass.

The Astros, on the other hand, have enjoyed modest success off Sánchez, picking up 11 hits in 37 at-bats (.297 batting average) with two doubles and an Isaac Paredes (4-for-8) homer. With eight strikeouts (21 percent), Sánchez pitches well below his career rate against Houston. Optimistic Phillies fans look away: tonight might be a night to bet the visitors and the under for props like strikeout numbers.