Published Apr 7, 9:11pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Apr 7, 9:11pm ET
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Updated Apr 7, 9:11pm ET
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| San Francisco Giants | +118 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | -130 |
Aaron Nola was a concern as the Phillies started the season, particularly with having lost Ranger Suarez to the Red Sox in free agency. He had an awful 2025 due to injury and underperformance. His first two starts this season were promising.
The veteran righty was particularly effective in Colorado against the Rockies, especially in the hitter-friendly Coors Field. He tossed 6.1 innings, allowed 5 hits, and 1 earned run. He walked 1 and struck out 9.
The Phillies are off to a slow start offensively, except for the outfield. Kyle Schwarber is not hitting for average, but the ball is leaving the park. Adolis Garcia has an OPS above .800 as does Justin Crawford. Bryce Harper is batting under .200.
Against Tyler Mahle, Schwarber is 5 for 18 with 2 homers. Dylan Moore is 1 for 2 with a home run. Trea Turner is 5 for 13. Harper is 2 for 7 with 2 singles.
It's very early in the season. But for the Giants, off to a horrific start under new manager Tony Vitello and looking worse than they did the last several mediocre seasons under Bob Melvin, the situation could spiral out of control very quickly.
There was skepticism about hiring Vitello, who has never played, coached, or managed professionally. He's stuck to a set lineup for the most part, which is unusual in today's game. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's not working. They're not hitting.
Patrick Bailey is just barely above .100. Willy Adames is just over .200. Jung Hoo Lee is under .200. Harrison Bader has been terrible. They seem to be having personal issues among the players already.
“Catch the f**king ball.”
— Strikeout Buzz (@StrikeoutBuzzX) April 1, 2026
Matt Chapman to teammate Casey Schmitt after letting a throw get by him 🗣️
Chapman was scored a throwing error.
Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/H0bQmIFu9h
Mahle is 0-2 with a 7 ERA, getting blasted in his first two starts. He's allowed 7 hits, 7 earned runs, and 2 homers in 9 innings.
Chapman is 3 for 7 with 3 singles against Nola. Rafael Devers is 2 for 11 with a double. Lee is 2 for 6 with a double. Adames is 1 for 19 with a double. Luis Arraez is 3 for 15 with a double and a triple.
The Giants are clearly pressing knowing that they are rapidly falling behind the frontrunning Dodgers. Many people are invested in Vitello failing. This is undoubtedly a managerial experiment.
The pitching matchup heavily favors the Phillies. Nola has pitched well so far this season and has generally handled the Giants' bats. Mahle has gotten knocked around in his first two starts.
Philly will take the win in this matchup and keep the Giants flailing and desperate for answers.
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Pick
Philadelphia Phillies -130
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