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As July heats up, baseball fans are treated to some sizzling matchups, and on July 22, 2026, all eyes will be on the Los Angeles Dodgers visiting the Philadelphia Phillies, along with the Pittsburgh Pirates taking on the New York Yankees in a doubleheader. These games are more than just regular season fixtures—they could be pivotal in shaping the playoff picture.

The Dodgers, sporting an impressive 64-38 record, are looking to solidify their standing as one of the league’s premier teams. Meanwhile, the Phillies, at 56-46, are battling to keep pace in a competitive division. The stakes are high, and our simulation gives the Dodgers a 60% chance to claim victory with a predicted score of 6.8 to 4.9. Explore the full prediction here.
Key to the Dodgers' potential success will be their dynamic duo—Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts. Freeman is projected to hit a solid 0.395 with 1.1 RBI, while Betts is expected to contribute significantly with a 0.329 batting average and a chance for a home run. On the mound, Eric Lauer is predicted to deliver 6.1 innings with an ERA of 4.13, enough to possibly outshine Aaron Nola's 6.56 ERA over 5.2 innings for the Phillies.
The Phillies will need their bullpen, particularly Jose Alvarado, to perform above expectations, as his projected ERA of 7.72 could be a cause for concern against a potent Dodgers lineup.
Over in New York, the Pirates and Yankees are set for back-to-back showdowns. With both teams hovering around the playoff cut line, these games carry significant weight. The Pirates are predicted to edge out the Yankees in both games, with scores of 5.5 to 4.6 and 5.6 to 5.2 respectively. Check the first game prediction and the second game prediction here.
Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ ace, is expected to pitch 5.6 innings with a 4.79 ERA in the first game, but all eyes will be on Mitch Keller of the Pirates, who can capitalize with a 4.56 ERA over 5.4 innings. Bubba Chandler will take the mound for the Pirates in the second game, facing off against the Yankees' Max Fried. Chandler’s 5.77 ERA suggests that the game could hinge on the bullpen’s performance, with Gregory Soto being a key figure for the Pirates.
Esmerlyn Valdez could be a game-changer for the Pirates with his power potential, projected to hit 0.4 home runs across the two games, adding critical runs to the scoreboard.
These matchups promise not only thrilling baseball but also strategic battles, where every pitch and swing could tip the scales. For those looking to dive deeper into player projections and game insights, our detailed stats are available exclusively to GameSim+ subscribers. Learn more about GameSim+ and how you can access in-depth analysis to get the edge in every game.