MLB Weekend Matchups 9/1-9/2: Chicago Cubs @ Phillies

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Notable MLB Weekend Matchups September 1-2, 2018 By: Chris Watford for NoLuckNeeded.com

This weekend marks exactly one month until the playoffs and it’s already neck and neck between some teams - the Mariners are 5.5 games back from the wild card and nine teams in the National League are within three games of each other. It’s really coming down to the wire and it’s time to see which teams will falter and which will strive. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the notable matchups this weekend.

Arizona Diamondbacks (72-60) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (71-61) 9/1/18

As of 8/29 the Dodgers are sitting one game behind the D-backs in a race for the NL Wild Card spot and both teams have been playing pretty well recently, with the D-Backs going 5-5 in their last 10 and the Dodgers going 6-4. Hyun-Jin Ryu is expected to pitch for the Dodgers this Saturday while the Brewers starting pitcher has yet to be announced. Ryu gave up 11 hits in 5 2/3 innings in his last outing against the Padres but he also struck out eight. Catch the action this Saturday on FSWI or MASN at 9:10 PM ET.

Chicago Cubs (77-53) @ Philadelphia Phillies (70-62) 9/1/18

The race for the Wild Card in the National League is an absolute bloodbath and this matchup is just one of the many significant matchups to take place over the next couple of weeks. The Phillies are currently sitting 1.5 games behind for a Wild Card spot in the NL and they’re going to have to go through the Cubs this weekend if they want to better their chances of getting that spot. The Cubs have gone 7-3 over their last 10 while the Phillies haven’t been so lucky, with a record of 2-8. Kyle Hendricks is expected to pitch for the Cubs, opposite of Vince Velasquez. Hendricks has an amazing all-time record for the month of August - going 15-3. He gave up two hits in seven innings in his last outing against the Reds. Velasquez hasn’t been as hot lately with an ERA of 5.87 across his past four starts. See if the Phillies can improve their odds of getting the NL Wild Card this Saturday on NSCH and NSPA at 7:05 PM ET.

Seattle Mariners (74-58 ) @ Oakland Athletics (80-53) 9/2/18

The Mariners are sitting 5.5 games behind the Oakland A’s in yet another race for the AL Wild Card spot. If the M’s can solidify a playoff spot this year it will be their first playoff appearance in 17 years - the longest current streak across every major league sport. The Mariners have been somewhat decent over their past ten - with a record of 4-6. The A’s have been pretty solid as well, going 6-4. While the Mariner’s starting pitcher has yet to be announced Edwin Jackson will be taking the mound this Sunday for the A’s. Jackson is 4-3 for the season with a solid 3.03 ERA. See if the Mariners can close the gap for the Wild Card spot this Sunday on NSCA and RTNW at 4:05 PM ET.

Bet on the Chicago Cubs at Intertops Sports Betting