Scott Lauber Previews Game 3 of The World Series
Game 3 is tonight after a rain delay. And to get the scoop on what to expect in this game from the Phillies, and going forward in the series, “The Best Show Ever?” talked to Scott Lauber. He discussed the importance of this game, the status of Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler, and more. Here is what Scott Lauber had to say…
On The Importance of Game 3
“It favors the Phillies that they didn’t play last night. 61 times prior to this year, the World Series has been tied 1-1. The game 3 winner has won 41 of the 61, including 19 of the last 24. It is a pivotal game. I have always looked at Game 3 in a 7-game series as a swing game. So would you rather have Ranger Suarez on the mound tonight, or Noah Syndergaard? Obviously, the answer to that is Suarez. Advantage Phillies. You feel better about them tonight than you did last night.”
On The Status Of Zack Wheeler
The Zack Wheeler thing has to be a concern. You don’t not schedule him to pitch on normal rest in a game you know is on the schedule. It is a game 6 if necessary. They have to get back to Zack Wheeler. Which tells me at the very least, he has a tired arm, fatigue that is setting in. I haven’t known Rob Thomson to not be forthright about these things… He doesn’t blatantly tell you there is nothing if there is something. And he said no there is just fatigue. It has been a long season, he has missed some time, and had a hard workload last year. it has been a bit of a toll here.
On Aaron Nola’s Struggles in Last Two Starts
“He tends to pitch better at home than he does on the road. I don’t worry as much about Nola. I am sure he is tired… But we are talking about a guy who has led the majors in starts since 2018. He is a workhorse. Nola is a guy who doesn’t have the margin of error that Wheeler does. He doesn’t throw 97… He has to hit his starts. If he doesn’t, he gets hit a round a little bit like he did in Game 1… My concern level about Nola is simply a matter of execution… This late in the season that can be difficult. When you are tired it doesn’t just affect your velocity, it affects your mechanics and your command.”
On Facing Lance McCullers Tonight
“He is a very good pitcher. He’s pitched very well against them in a game that mattered… A curveball guy. He puts the ball on the ground and tends to get a lot of early contact. So yea, there is some concern. But they are a different offensive team at home than they are on the road. So I think being home, I certainly think they are going to score more runs. You mentioned the fact McCullers is right-handed. I think the Phillies tend to struggle more against lefties than they do against righties.”
You can listen to the full interview with Scott Lauber below…
