Blue Jays at Phillies 9/18/20 - Game 1 - MLB Picks & Predictions

In the first game of a Friday doubleheader, the Philadelphia Phillies will be the visiting team against the Toronto Blue Jays at Citizens Bank Park. Last night, SP Aaron Nola (5.1 IP, 5 ER) was unable to protect an early three-run lead during a 10-6 home loss versus New York. Bryce Harper homered twice for the Phillies, who are a game below .500 overall.

Twenty-six year old righty Zach Eflin (2-2 5.01 ERA) will take the mound for the Phillies in this matchup. Through 41 plus innings, Eflin has struck out 52 batters and posted a subpar 1.45 WHIP.

The Toronto Blue Jays will be happy to be in a new city after a three-game sweep in New York by a 43-15 combined score. On Thursday, Toronto surrendered a major league record five home runs during the fourth inning of a 10-7 road loss. Bo Bichette had two hits and drove in three runs for the Blue Jays, who fell to 26-23 on the year.

Twenty-eight year old southpaw Robbie Ray (2-4 6.85 ERA) will make his fourth start as a member of the Blue Jays. In his previous three starts, Ray has allowed six earned runs across 12 plus innings of work.