When you think of the Philadelphia Phillies, a few names come to mind. The biggest one being Bryce Harper. For this team to have a chance at beating the Houston Astros in the World Series, the other players will need to get on base for multiple reasons.
Pitch Around Harper?
I am sure if the Houston Astros have a base open, they will pitch very carefully to Bryce Harper. In their perfect world, if they can only give him one to three pitches all series to hit, that would be a moral victory.
The Phillies need to force the Astros hand at the plate. If hitters in front of Harper can get on, Houston will have no choice but to challenge him.
On the back side of the lineup the Phillies have been on fire this postseason specifically. Players like Jean Segura and Nick Castellanos will be huge this series.
Can the Phillies Stay Hot?
After five days of rest, can we expect that same amount of energy and production from this team? Players in the front of the lineup such as J.T. Realmuto, Alec Bohm, and Kyle Schwarber will be faced with the task of starting the series off on the right foot.
The Houston Astros do not like playing from behind, all season they have won games in low scoring fashion. If they can give their bullpen a lead, it is almost guaranteed that the game is over.
Phillies need to hit in this series one through nine on the lineup card. Again, force the ‘Stros to pitch to Harper. If he can get a pitch or two each game to do damage with, history has shown that he will.
Houston’s closer Ryan Pressly has been extremely good in the postseason thus far, do not give him an opportunity at a save. Phillies need to get a multi run lead and do it often in this series.
I can not stress enough how important it will be for other players outside of Bryce Harper will be to this teams success. Harper going 0-2 with two walks a game will not help them. Philadelphia needs to put crooked numbers on the board.
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Rowan Donaghey is a Sports and Betting Insider for Fantom Sports Industries. Follow him on twitter for daily content via @RowanDonaghey
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