The Phillies have won 7 of 10, but It hasn’t been the big bats pulling the weight. The pitching staff has collectively thrown a 9 inning shut out in 4 of their last 7 games, and their often maligned bullpen has been absolutely lights out in the last 10 games.

The Cards’ bats ARE slumbering. They have been shut out 4 times in their last 10 games, twice by the Phillies, and are just 3 -7 lately. Their pitching has also been solid, especially the relievers; they haven’t given up more than 3 runs in their last 5 games.

Phillies’ starter Nola has had a solid season, and June was his best month. He consistently pitches into the 7th or 8th, has great control, and more than a few strikouts (120!) He has given up 7 runs in his last two starts, more than usual for Nola, but is very good in early innings.

His opponent Mikolas was brilliant early, and very good in June. He is a pitch to contact kind of guy, and doesn’t get the big strikeout totals. He faced the Phillies just 2 starts ago and allowed 4 runs, 2 earned over 6 innings.

I like the Phillies on Monday. The Cards haven’t faced Nola this year, and haven’t had much success against him in the past. The Phillies have the offense, they have the momentum at the moment, and they have done some damage against Mikolas. The Cards are struggling and I don’t think the turn around will come against Nola. He usually needs very little relief help. Take the Phillies to win.