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Wednesday night unfolded flawlessly for the Phillies, as the Brewers rallied in the bottom of the eighth inning to defeat the Mets, 5-3, setting the stage for a decisive third game on Thursday in their wild-card series.
This development means both teams will have to rely on key relievers and a starting pitcher they will need in the NLDS for an additional night.
If the Mets secure a victory, they will face a tightly packed schedule, having just one day off between the wild-card round and Game 1 of the NLDS (scheduled for Saturday at 4:08 p.m.), after being on the road from September 22 to October 4.
Jose Quintana, a left-hander, will take the mound for the Mets in Game 3, while the Brewers will counter with rookie right-hander Tobias Myers.
Should the Phillies match up against the Mets, the likely Game 1 starter for them is lefty David Peterson, who last pitched on Sunday and boasts a 2.41 ERA since August 1.
The Phillies faced Peterson twice this month: on September 15, he gave up one run over 7⅔ innings, with Buddy Kennedy hitting a game-tying double in the bottom of the eighth. The Phillies eventually won in walk-off fashion against Edwin Diaz in the following inning.
In their second encounter on September 20, Peterson struggled, surrendering five runs in just 3⅔ innings to the Phillies.
Historically, several Phillies players have excelled against Peterson, while others have struggled significantly. Alec Bohm holds a .333 average (7-for-21) with two doubles and two home runs against him. Nick Castellanos has hit .500 (5-for-10) with a double and four RBIs. Bryce Harper is 8-for-19, reaching base in half of his plate appearances. Weston Wilson, likely to feature against left-handed pitchers in the postseason, is 2-for-5 with two doubles.
Conversely, Kyle Schwarber has struggled, hitting only 1-for-16 with 10 strikeouts, while J.T. Realmuto is 3-for-17 and Trea Turner is at 3-for-16.
If the Brewers progress past the Mets, their Game 1 NLDS starter would most likely be right-hander Aaron Civale or a left-handed opener. Civale limited the Phillies to one run across five innings on September 16 in Milwaukee. After being acquired by the Brewers on July 3, he posted a record of 6-3 with a 3.53 ERA in 14 starts. Although he may not pitch deep into games, this is often irrelevant in October when managers utilize their bullpens more aggressively.
Colin Rea, a right-hander, is a less likely option for the Brewers. He struggled in his last two starts and transitioned to a relief role in September after surpassing his previous career-high with 43 innings pitched.
The Brewers might find it advantageous to utilize a left-handed opener for the first inning against the Phillies, considering pitchers like Jared Koenig, Aaron Ashby, DL Hall, Bryan Hudson, or Hoby Milner. It is worth noting that Hudson and Milner were not included in Milwaukee’s wild-card roster, primarily due to the Mets’ dominance in right-handed hitting. However, one of them may be integrated into the NLDS bullpen against the Phillies. The Brewers employed an opener strategy 10 times this season.
After Phil Maton faltered in a save opportunity in Milwaukee on Wednesday, the Padres completed a sweep of the Braves in San Diego, advancing to the NLDS to face the Dodgers. A two-game sweep is quite common in the wild-card round; in fact, only twice in 12 series since MLB revamped the playoff format has the Best-of-3 series gone to a decisive Game 3. The last such occurrence also featured the Mets, who fell to the Padres at home
Pennant Race: Phillies Prepare for Potential NLDS Showdown as Brewers Extend Wild-Card Series with Mets
Overview of the NLDS Landscape
The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for a potential National League Division Series (NLDS) showdown as they await the outcome of the Wild-Card Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the New York Mets. The stakes are high as both teams vie for a chance to advance, with the Phillies looking to capitalize on their strong performance this season.
Current Situation in the Wild-Card Series
As of now, the Milwaukee Brewers have extended their Wild-Card Series against the Mets, creating a thrilling scenario for baseball fans. This unexpected turn adds a layer of excitement to the postseason, especially for the Phillies, who could face the Brewers should they advance.
- Key Dates: The Wild-Card Series is pivotal as it determines the last teams to secure a spot in the NLDS.
- Matchup History: The Phillies and Brewers have met in the playoffs before; notably, the 2008 NLDS where the Phillies triumphed.
Phillies’ Season Highlights
The Phillies have demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the season. Key highlights include:
- Strong Offense: Led by sluggers who have consistently put runs on the board.
- Pitching Depth: A rotation that has performed well under pressure, crucial for postseason success.
- Defensive Plays: Key defensive plays that have saved runs and shifted momentum at critical moments.
Potential Matchup: Phillies vs. Brewers
If the Brewers manage to defeat the Mets, the Phillies will face a formidable opponent in the NLDS. Here’s what to watch for in this potential matchup:
Key Players to Watch
| Team | Key Player | Position | Season Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phillies | Bryce Harper | Outfielder | .305 AVG, 30 HR, 85 RBI |
| Brewers | Corbin Burnes | Pitcher | 15 Wins, 2.95 ERA, 220 K |
Matchup History
The historical context adds intrigue to the upcoming series. In their last postseason meeting in 2008, the Phillies won 3-1 against the Brewers, setting the stage for their World Series run. Fans will be eager to see if history repeats itself.
Benefits of Preparing for the NLDS
As the Phillies focus on their potential playoff opponent, several benefits emerge from thorough preparation:
- Strategic Planning: Tailoring game plans specific to the Brewers’ strengths and weaknesses.
- Player Readiness: Keeping players mentally and physically prepared for high-stakes games.
- Fan Support: Engaging with fans to create a home-field advantage.
Practical Tips for Phillies Fans
As the postseason approaches, here are some practical tips for fans to enhance their game-day experience:
- Wear Team Colors: Show your support by donning Phillies gear.
- Engage on Social Media: Connect with other fans and share your excitement online.
- Plan Ahead: Ensure your tickets and plans are secured for potential game days.
Case Study: Successful Postseason Teams
Looking back at successful postseason teams can provide insight into what the Phillies need to do to excel:
Examples of Strong Playoff Performances
- 2021 Atlanta Braves: Overcame injuries and rallied as a team, showcasing depth in their roster.
- 2019 Washington Nationals: Defied odds with a strong bullpen and clutch hitting to win the World Series.
First-Hand Experiences from the 2008 World Series Run
Fans who witnessed the Phillies’ 2008 World Series victory often cite the community spirit and excitement as defining moments:
- Unity: The city came together, showcasing the passion and dedication of Phillies fans.
- Memorable Moments: Key plays and games that are still talked about today, creating a lasting legacy.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Phillies?
As the team awaits the outcome of the Wild-Card Series, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and readiness to compete at the highest level. Key considerations include:
- Health of Players: Ensuring all players are in peak condition for the NLDS.
- Game Strategy: Analyzing matchups and formulating plans that exploit the weaknesses of their opponents.
- Fan Engagement: Keeping fans engaged and excited about the postseason journey.
The upcoming NLDS promises to be a thrilling chapter in Phillies history, with high expectations and the potential for unforgettable moments on the diamond.
