The first game of the NLCS series starts tonight as the Phillies host the Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 8:07 p.m. EST on TBS. Most expected Philadelphia to throw Zack Wheeler in game 1, and the Diamondbacks decided on Zac Gallen to be their starter tonight.
Looking at potential Game 1 players to hit a home run, there are some interesting choices when looking at the NLCS Game 1 home run prop odds. The Phillies and Diamondbacks have several players who have more than one home run this postseason. The long ball was a huge factor in the Phillies 3-1 NLDS series victory over the Braves. Nothing impacts a game more than a momentum-swinging home run.
If you have a hunch on who could hit that big home run tonight for the Phillies or the Diamondbacks, check out these awesome promos from some of the top-rated sportsbooks for betting on the MLB playoffs.
Also read: World Series odds, predictions
Best MLB home run prop picks for NLCS Game 1 Diamondbacks vs. Phillies
A couple of quick notes on the starting pitchers for both teams tonight in regards to the likelihood of either giving up a home run: Zac Gallen for the Diamondbacks has a 3.18 ERA in the playoffs and has given up 1 home run in his 11.1 innings pitched. Zach Wheeler has a 2.08 ERA in the playoffs and has given up 1 home run in 13 innings pitched.
In the regular season, Gallen gave up 22 home runs in 210 innings, while Wheeler gave up 20 home runs in 192 innings. Each starter's regular season stats and postseason stats are fairly close and would indicate that each gives up about one home run every nine to 10 innings. Advanced stats would suggest that between the two starting pitchers tonight, there would be at least one home run hit.
Nick Castellanos to hit a home run (+450 FanDuel)
Castellanos is as hot hitting the long ball as any player in baseball today. He did something no player in MLB history has ever done — hitting two home runs in two straight games in the playoffs. Not only that, Castellanos seems pretty motivated to keep slugging on the way to a Philadelphia World Series.
"Nick, nobody in Major League history has hit 2 home runs on back-to-back postseason games, but you just did. And you guys are headed to the NLCS."- Matt Winer
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 13, 2023
"Where's the question in that?"- Nick Castellanos
"There's no question." MW
"Thank you for telling me."- NC pic.twitter.com/0e2XjGt5ta
Lifetime against Gallen, Castellanos has one hit and one walk in five plate appearances. That is not a substantial sample size. Castellanos is locked in right now and is a solid bet to keep hitting dingers.
Corbin Carroll to hit a home run (+650 BetRivers)
The Diamondbacks star outfielder has been a big piece of their playoff success. Carroll leads the team with a .412 batting average and is second on the team with two home runs this postseason. Not only is Carroll hitting some long balls, but his high batting average in the playoffs would suggest he is seeing the ball well right now.
Carroll also has six walks in the postseason, which should encourage Phillies pitchers to attack him and not get behind in counts. This would give him a better chance at some pitches he can, in return, attack himself. Lastly, in the postseason, stars shine the brightest, and Carroll knows he needs some big performances to help his Diamondbacks squad handle this red-hot Phillies team.
Bryce Harper to hit a home run (+410 BetRivers)
The Phillies star slugger has appeared to avoid any major injury after a scare at the end of the NLDS Game 4. That is good news for Philadelphia, as Harper has been raking in the postseason. He has elevated his game, and it seems something big is going to happen every time he steps in the box during the playoffs.
It would shock no one if Harper sets that tone early in the series with one of his towering long balls in Game 1 of the NLCS. Lifetime against Gallen, Harper has batted .333 with three hits in 12 at bats. With Harper having a strong record against Gallen, hitting his first long ball against the Arizona starter seems like it could happen.
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