Lower Magic Number A-Brewin? Series Preview: Phillies-Brewers, September 16-18

A day after they walked it off against the Mets thanks to an RBI single from J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies travel to Milwaukee for a crucial 3-game series and a potential National League playoff preview. With only about a dozen games left in the 2024 regular season, a lot is at stake for the Phightins: including an NL division title, a first-round bye, and possible home-field advantage throughout the upcoming Red October.

Much like the Mets, The Brew Crew is coming in hot to this series. Their recent road trip saw them winning two series against the Giants and the Diamondbacks, taking two of three from both San Fransico and Arizona. Milwaukee had a chance to cap their stellar road trip off with a sweep against Arizona last night but lost in a heartbreaker in extra innings. Former Phillie Rhys Hoskins is putting up the worst numbers of his career with the Brewers (207/.294/.409) but did homer in Saturday’s game vs. the Snakes.

Last Time They Met

The last time the Phils played the Brew Crew, they led their respective divisions. The Phillies had the best record in the MLB back then as well, but many others insisted it was thanks to an easy schedule. The series in June helped solidify the case that the Fightings were one of the best teams in baseball, and beat solid teams.

The three-game series in June saw stellar pitching performances from the Phils, with Wheeler, Sánchez, and Nola as well as the bullpen surrendering a total of only five runs in those three games. The Phightins hope to have another stellar pitching performance from their starters and their bullpen in this series. The big bats of Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Nick Castellanos must show up in this crucial matchup of two of the best in the NL.

Danger On the Mound Tonight?

For game one, Ranger Suárez takes the mound looking to rebound from his last outing vs the Rays where he gave up 12 hits. Ranger looks to be in danger, as his normally exceptional command has been off, making me hungry serving up meatballs.

In game two, Ace Zack Wheeler toes the rubber and hopes to continue his Cy Young-candidate season. Aaron Nola gets the start in game three, also looking to clean it up. The last time Nola pitched, he gave up two 3-run homers against the Mets.

Game Times and Broadcasts

Monday, September 16, 7:40 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP

Tuesday, September 17, 7:40 p.m. ET, TBS, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP

Wednesday, September 18, 7:40 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP

Probable Pitching Matchups

Game 1: Ranger Suárez (LHP, 12-6, 3.05 ERA), Aaron Civale (RHP, 6-8, 4.57 ERA)

Game 2: Zack Wheeler (RHP, 12-6, 2.60 ERA) vs Frankie Montas (RHP, 7-10, 4.49 ERA)

Game 3: Aaron Nola (RHP, 12-8, 3.62 ERA) vs. Freddy Peralta (RHP, 11-8, 3.75 ERA)

By the Numbers

• Records
• Phillies: 90-59
• Brewers: 86-63

• Run Differential
• Phillies: 119
• Brewers: 134

• Runs Scored Per Game
• Phillies: 4.87
• Brewers: 4.87

• Runs Allowed Per Game
• Phillies: 4.07
• Brewers: 3.97

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