We wish it was a little warmer in South Philly Monday . . . or that at least the Santa Ana winds had stayed in California . . . But it isn’t and they didn’t, so no use popping out the Home Run Props when the Mets hit town for Game 1 Monday. Maybe Tuesday.
Instead, we are thinking of doubling down on the two starting pitchers (Aaron Nola, Noah Syndergaard) each getting Over 6.5 Strikeouts.
Syndergaard has racked up seven, six and seven Ks in his three 2019 starts, so the 6.5 is certainly in his wheelhouse. And the Phillies are averaging a strikeout an inning over their last five games, so they should do their part.
Nola had a snowman’s worth of strikeouts in his 2018 season finale and the 2019 season opener, but just two (in three innings) and three in his two starts since.
However, the last time Nola faced off against Syndergaard (Aug. 17), the Phils’ ace mowed down 11 Mets. Here’s hoping that seeing Noah across the diamond gets the Nola juices flowing again. Throw in the fact that Mets batters have had nine or more strikeouts in 12 of their 15 games so far, and we’ve talked ourselves into both bets.
Pick: Nola Over 6.5 Strikeouts (-125)
Pick: Syndergaard Over 6.5 Strikeouts (-110)