With the conclusion of the other three MLB wild-card series ending in sweeps, all attention turns to Milwaukee. There, the New York Mets will face off against the Milwaukee Brewers in a crucial Game 3 on Thursday night. The victor will advance to the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, while the losing team will head home.
Which team holds the advantage? We have you covered with predictions, important factors, lineups, live updates, and insights as the game unfolds, followed by our reflections after the final pitch.
Key links: MLB playoff preview | Bracket | Picks | Watch on ESPN
New York Mets at Milwaukee Brewers, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Pitching matchup: Jose Quintana (10-10, 3.75 ERA) vs. Tobias Myers (9-6, 3.00 ERA)
What is crucial for the Mets in Game 3?
David Schoenfield: Manager Carlos Mendoza’s strategy during the late innings will be pivotal. Unlike in Game 2, where he opted against using closer Edwin Diaz for a six-out save as he had done on Monday against the Braves, Diaz now enjoys two days of rest after throwing 40 pitches in that game and 26 the previous day. Phil Maton faltered in Game 2 after having pitched four times in five days, failing to impress in his last two outings, particularly after giving up two home runs on Wednesday. Mendoza might be hesitant to rely on Maton, which could lead him to consider other relievers or even starter David Peterson, who last saw action on Sunday.
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Bradford Doolittle: The Mets must discover some power in their bats. They excelled at stringing together rallies and capitalizing with runners in scoring position, yet they have failed to connect for home runs. It’s challenging to envision victory without hitting home runs in one of baseball’s most home-run friendly stadiums.
Jesse Rogers: Which version of Quintana will take the mound? Will it be the one with a 5.63 ERA in August or the strong performer with a 0.72 ERA in September? If the Mets are starting him in an elimination game, they clearly believe the latter performance is the true Quintana. Keep an eye on his curveball; a strong showing there could lead to Mets’ advancement.
What is crucial for the Brewers in Game 3?
Schoenfield: The Brewers need to turn this into a bullpen-centric game, which entails working Quintana’s pitch count upward. With a below-average walk rate and strikeout rate, he’s a pitcher you can adopt a patient approach against, minimizing the risk of being overwhelmed. Given the Mets’ bullpen is a bit taxed, an early exit for Quintana could tilt the advantage in Milwaukee’s favor. The Brewers will follow the same pitching plan as Wednesday; expect Tobias Myers to pitch limited innings as they rely on their effective bullpen. Devin Williams may need to be utilized for more than three outs, if necessary.
Doolittle: The Brewers must maintain defensive excellence. Having stood out as one of baseball’s top defensive teams this season, they cannot afford any lapses that led to the Mets capitalizing on mistakes in Game 1 or scoring a pivotal run due to an error in Game 2. If Milwaukee can maintain discipline and reach the middle innings without errors, they can deploy their strongest bullpen to put pressure on the Mets. Avoiding mistakes that spark rally potential is key.
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Rogers: Bullpen depth will be crucial. After a fifth-inning breakdown in Game 1, partly due to defensive errors, the Brewers’ bullpen has been outstanding, pitching a complete-game shutout. They managed 4⅓ scoreless innings on Tuesday and 5⅓ shutout innings on Wednesday. It is evident that manager Pat Murphy is not extending his starters beyond three or four innings, which emphasizes the bullpen’s importance in Game 3.
Who will advance to the NLDS?
Schoenfield: The Mets have battled through adversity all season, from a slow start to the injury of Kodai Senga, even almost blowing Monday’s game to the Braves before Francisco Lindor’s clutch home run. While I harbor concerns about their bullpen in late-game situations, I trust in their offense. I predict the Mets will prevail, 4-3, earning a spot to face the Phillies in an exciting NL East matchup.
Doolittle: This is the Brewers’ moment. They possess a wealth of bullpen talent and diverse methods of securing wins offensively. The disparities began to show on Wednesday. If the Mets do not jump to an early lead in Game 3, I anticipate the Brewers will take the win, bolstered by the solid performance of their starter, Myers.
Live updates
Join us at game time for live updates and analysis of Game 3.
High Stakes Showdown: Mets vs. Brewers in Game 3 Wild-Card Clash
Overview of the Wild-Card Series
The stage is set for an electrifying Game 3 in the Wild-Card series, where the New York Mets face off against the Milwaukee Brewers. As the pressure mounts, both teams look to secure their place in the postseason. This game promises high intensity, strategic plays, and nail-biting moments that could define their season.
Key Players to Watch
- New York Mets:
- Max Scherzer: The veteran pitcher brings experience and a fierce competitive spirit to the mound. His ability to perform under pressure will be crucial for the Mets’ chances.
- Francisco Lindor: As the heart of the Mets’ batting lineup, Lindor’s power and speed could turn the tide in critical moments.
- Milwaukee Brewers:
- Corbin Burnes: Known for his strikeout capability, Burnes will need to control the game early and suppress the Mets’ offense.
- Christian Yelich: The former MVP’s experience in clutch situations makes him a vital asset for the Brewers.
Game 3 Matchup Breakdown
| Team | Starting Pitcher | Key Hitter | Season Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Mets | Max Scherzer | Francisco Lindor | 92-70 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | Corbin Burnes | Christian Yelich | 89-73 |
Strategies for Success
Mets’ Approach
The Mets will focus on aggressive batting to capitalize on any mistakes made by Burnes. Key strategies include:
- Utilizing their speed on the bases to create scoring opportunities.
- Maintaining a disciplined approach at the plate to draw walks and prolong innings.
Brewers’ Approach
The Brewers will aim to leverage their pitching prowess. Critical strategies involve:
- Burnes must keep the ball low in the strike zone to induce ground balls.
- Yelich and other hitters should focus on driving in runs during crucial at-bats.
Fan Engagement and Atmosphere
The atmosphere at the stadium is set to be electric, with fans from both sides eager to support their teams. Engaging with the crowd can significantly impact player performance. Here are some ways fans can enhance the experience:
- Wear Team Colors: Show your support by donning Mets or Brewers gear.
- Participate in Cheers: Join in on chants and cheers to rally the players.
- Social Media Interaction: Share your game experience using hashtags to engage with other fans.
Historical Context
This showdown isn’t just about this season; it has historical significance. Previous matchups between the Mets and Brewers in playoff settings have set the stage for unforgettable moments:
- In 2015, both teams faced off in a memorable series that highlighted their competitive spirit.
- Past postseason encounters have seen dramatic plays that linger in fans’ memories.
Key Statistics and Trends
| Statistic | Mets | Brewers |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .256 | .245 |
| ERA (Earned Run Average) | 3.75 | 3.80 |
| Home Runs | 215 | 200 |
First-Hand Experience
Fans who have attended previous playoff games can attest to the atmosphere and excitement. Here’s a shared experience:
“The energy in the stadium was palpable. Every pitch felt like a moment that could define the game. When the Mets hit a home run in the eighth inning, the crowd erupted. It was one of those experiences that remind you why you love baseball!”
Benefits of Watching the Game Live
Watching the game live offers several advantages:
- Immersive Experience: Feel the energy of the crowd and the tension of the game firsthand.
- Connection with Fans: Share the experience with fellow supporters, enhancing the camaraderie.
- Access to Specials: Often, live games offer promotions and special merchandise not available elsewhere.
Conclusion
This high-stakes showdown between the Mets and the Brewers is more than just a game; it’s an opportunity for each team to prove their worth in the postseason. With skilled players, strategic plays, and passionate fans, Game 3 promises to be one for the ages.
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