Phillies vs. Marlins prediction: How to bet Game 1 of the NL Wild Card series

Zack Wheeler’s first career ticket to the postseason last year spearheaded the Philadelphia Phillies’ run to the World Series.

The veteran right-hander commanded a 2.78 ERA and a 0.73 WHIP in six appearances for the Phillies. 

He now returns to the October hill as the rotation’s No. 1 against the Miami Marlins in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card on Tuesday.

We can tally another regular season of dominance for him since coming to Philadelphia as he delivered a 3.18 xERA and 6.6 strikeouts a game. 

In his three starts against Miami, Wheeler kept a sound 3.00 ERA, averaged 5.6 strikeouts and pitched through six innings.

The Phillies have had their fair share of ups and downs through the season, but they forged a scorching path into the playoffs winning eight of their last 11. 

They will see the Marlins’ Jesus Luzardo, who hasn’t pitched in the postseason since 2020.

Luzardo holds a career postseason ERA of 5.91 in three appearances. 

Luzardo is lights out when he throws at his best, but when it rains, it pours against him as he sports a 3.99 xERA.

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The young lefty is the next man up for the Fish with ace Sandy Alcantara out for the year. 

Wheeler’s consistency and endurance backed by a poised, well-rounded offense ranking sixth in team .OPS (.765) sheds enough confidence to walk on the wild side and grab plus-money value on the Phillies Run Line. 

The play: Phillies runline -1.5 (+150, bet365)