With a chance to return to the World Series on the line, the Philadelphia Phillies are back home at Citizens Bank Park for Game 6 against the upstart Diamondbacks.
Philly feels fantastic about the man it’s sending to the mound for the crucial contest: Aaron Nola, who has collected a win in each of his past three starts. That includes a 10-0 shutout against Arizona in Game 2. Nola has posted 16 strikeouts while allowing just two runs in 11.2 innings during the playoffs.
For Arizona, Merrill Kelly will start after surrendering four runs in his Game 2 start. His battery mate, Gabriel Moreno, has recorded at least one hit in each game of the series, while Alek Thomas has homered in twice. Rookie of the Year favorite Corbin Carroll has struggled thus far but remains a key factor for the D-backs.
The Phillies’ bats meanwhile, have been humming, as the team has scored at least five runs in four games. Kyle Schwarber leads the way at the dish with four homers in the series.
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Later Monday, the American League will crown its champ with a Game 7 between the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros. Dusty Baker has never won a Game 7 in his career, while Bruce Bochy is undefeated in such games.
Max Scherzer will start for Texas in just his second appearance since returning from injury. He didn’t resemble his usual self in a Game 3 loss, as he gave up five hits and five runs in four innings. Houston will be counting on Christian Javier and his signature fastball, which was teeming with life in Game 3.
Here are the top moments from each game!
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Philadelphia Phillies
PREGAME
Back in black
Bryce Harper looked ready to call in the undertaker ahead of Game 6, as he arrived in an all-black outfit that signaled a clear message: Time to eliminate.
Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros (8:03 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app)
Pregame Scene
“MLB on FOX” crew breaks down the matchup
Flippin’ Bats’ Ben Verlander said the Astros will be masking some heavy nerves heading into the affair.
He had some advice for ‘Stros fans ahead of the game.
Meanwhile, David Ortiz explained why he was worried about Houston.
Flippin’ Bats:
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