Philadelphia Phillies: Breaking down Wild-card foes in NL Central

Head-to-head numbers:               

Beginning with the division leader, the Cubs went 11-8 from June 5 through June 28. They were 8-4 at the friendly confines: the Phillies (2-1), Pirates (2-1), Cardinals (2-1) and Dodgers (2-1). On the road, the Cubbies were 3-4: the Brewers (1-2) and the Dodgers (2-2).

Basically, the red pinstripes did as well in Chicago as St. Louis and Los Angeles (NL). In other words, facing the Cubs in their home field is to their advantage. As for runs scored, the red and white plated 14 to 12 against.

"WORDS OF WISDOM: “Profile of a winning team: They play to win. They have a winning attitude. They keep improving. They make their teammates more successful.” – John C. Maxwell"

St. Louis’ results after mid-July’s downtime are completely different, but they had an 8-12 record from June 15 through July 8.  At home, they went 1-5 against the Cubbies (1-2) and the Braves (0-3). But the Cards’ road mark was 7-7 versus the Phils (1-2), Brew Crew (2-2), Snakes (2-1) and Giants (2-2).

Before the Cards’ current hot streak began, the hometown nine had won two of three games against them at the Bank from June 18 to June 20. In that series, the Phils scored 16 runs to 15 in three one-run outcomes. Ergo, St. Louis has needs too.

Milwaukee went 16-18 from July 5 through Aug. 26. In their away contests, the Brewers were 8-13: the Bucs (0-5), Giants (3-1), Dodgers (2-2), Braves (1-2), Cubs (1-1) and Cards (1-2). But the Brew Crew had an 8-5 record in Milwaukee: the Braves (3-1), Dodgers (1-2), Nationals (2-1) and Rockies (2-1).