Prepare yourself for an exciting Phillies-Mets NLDS.
On Thursday night, the Mets orchestrated a thrilling ninth-inning rally in their crucial Game 3 of the wild-card series, defeating the Brewers 4-2 thanks to a three-run homer by Pete Alonso, a moment that could very well have marked his last at-bat with the team.
Having been on the road for almost two weeks and playing five games in just four days, the Mets will have a mere 24 hours to rest before squaring off against the Phillies in Game 1 at Citizens Bank Park at 4:08 p.m. on Saturday.
Zack Wheeler will be on the mound for the opening pitch of the NLDS. Initially, it appeared that left-hander David Peterson might get the start, as his impressive 2.41 ERA over his last 11 outings played a crucial role in the team’s playoff push. However, he was needed in relief during Thursday’s game. Consequently, it may now be Tylor Megill or Luis Severino on short rest, or they could opt for a bullpen game. Peterson remains a possibility, but the situation is less straightforward following recent developments. Severino, Sean Manaea, and Jose Quintana also made starts in the wild-card round.
The Mets present a strong challenge with their combination of power, discerning plate approaches, and late-game resilience. They have consistently demonstrated these qualities throughout the week, month, and entire second half of the season. The lineup features talented players such as Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, Alonso, Mark Vientos, Jose Iglesias, Jesse Winker, Starling Marte, and J.D. Martinez. Although their pitching may not match the Phillies’ top-tier talent and their bullpen falls short beyond Edwin Diaz, underestimating them would be a mistake.
When the Phillies competed against the Mets in London during the second week of June, the Mets were eight games under .500. During that weekend, owner Steve Cohen faced questions regarding Carlos Mendoza’s managerial capabilities, the impending trade deadline, and potential rebuilding efforts. The Mets left London with a record of 28-36 but went on to finish the season with an impressive mark of 61-37.
One area where the Phils hold an advantage over the Mets is in their ability to handle right-handed velocity. With the exceptions of Nimmo and Winker, all significant threats from the Mets swing right-handed, and switch-hitting Lindor has fared better against left-handers. The Phillies can counter this with pitchers like Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Jeff Hoffman, Carlos Estevez, Orion Kerkering, and lefty Matt Strahm.
This season, Wheeler limited right-handed batters to the second-lowest OPS (.434) recorded by any pitcher in the last 50 years, trailing only a peak-performance Max Scherzer. Right-handers hit just .133 against Strahm, .173 against Hoffman, .186 against Estevez, and .209 against Kerkering.
Nola has faced the Mets twice this season: he pitched a four-hit shutout in May but allowed six runs in less than five innings during their September matchup. He is set to start either Game 2 or Game 3, with Cristopher Sanchez taking the mound for the other game.
The current momentum of the Mets evokes memories of the 2022 Phillies, who were also below .500 in June, fought back with a strong second half featuring numerous late-game rallies, and concluded the regular season with a long road stretch into the playoffs. In recent weeks, the Mets have shown a strong capacity to elongate at-bats and respond effectively when their opponents score.
As is true for any team at this time of year, they are a formidable opponent. The Phillies finished the regular season winning the series against the Mets, 7-6, though they lost three of the last four matchups. In hindsight, simply splitting that late September series at Citi Field might have rendered the Mets’ postseason journey much tougher, possibly even preventing it altogether.</p
Rivalry Reignited: Phillies and Mets Set for Intense NLDS Showdown
Overview of the NLDS Showdown
The Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets are gearing up for a highly anticipated matchup in the National League Division Series (NLDS). This clash marks the first time these two teams will meet in the playoffs, bringing an intense rivalry to the forefront in the postseason. Fans are buzzing with excitement as the teams prepare to face off, with the first pitch scheduled to be thrown by Phillies’ star pitcher Zack Wheeler.
Team Performance and Key Players
As the NLDS approaches, both teams have demonstrated their strengths throughout the season. Let’s take a closer look at their performances and key players to watch.
Philadelphia Phillies
- Zack Wheeler: Known for his powerful pitching, Wheeler has been a cornerstone for the Phillies this season. His ability to dominate on the mound could be a game-changer in the postseason.
- Offensive Power: With standout performances from sluggers like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, the Phillies offense has been explosive. Their ability to score runs in critical moments will be crucial.
New York Mets
- David Peterson: The Mets are expected to utilize lefty David Peterson, who ended the season with a remarkable 2.41 ERA, showcasing his potential to stifle the Phillies’ hitting.
- Batting Lineup: The Mets boast a balanced lineup, featuring power hitters and consistent contact players. Key contributions from Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso can swing the momentum in their favor.
Head-to-Head Record
Understanding the teams’ history can provide insight into how this series might unfold. The rivalry between the Phillies and Mets has been filled with memorable moments and competitive spirit.
| Season | Phillies Wins | Mets Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 | 9 |
| 2022 | 8 | 11 |
| 2021 | 11 | 8 |
Strategies for Success
Both teams will need to execute specific strategies to secure victory in this best-of-five series.
Phillies’ Strategy
- Dominating Pitching: The Phillies need to rely on their ace, Wheeler, to set the tone early in the series. Strong performances from their bullpen will also be crucial.
- Exploit Matchups: Identifying favorable matchups against Mets’ pitchers will allow the Phillies to capitalize offensively. Their ability to generate runs early can set a positive tone.
Mets’ Strategy
- Defensive Solidarity: The Mets will need to play stellar defense to mitigate the Phillies’ scoring opportunities. Key plays in the field could be the difference.
- Utilizing Lefty Advantage: With Peterson likely starting, the Mets should aim to leverage his strengths against right-handed hitters in the Phillies lineup.
What to Expect: Key Matchups
The NLDS will feature several key matchups that could influence the outcome of the series:
- Wheeler vs. Mets’ Batters: How Wheeler performs against the Mets’ lineup will be pivotal. Expect intense at-bats as hitters try to adapt to his pitching style.
- Harper vs. Peterson: Bryce Harper is known for his clutch hitting. How he handles Peterson’s left-handed pitching will be critical for the Phillies’ offense.
Fan Engagement and Atmosphere
The rivalry between the Phillies and Mets is not just about the players on the field; it extends to the passionate fanbases that support them. Here’s what fans can look forward to during the NLDS:
- Electric Atmosphere: Expect the stadiums to be filled with enthusiastic fans, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that can motivate players.
- Pre-Game Festivities: Both teams will likely host events leading up to the games, engaging fans with activities, giveaways, and meet-and-greets.
Key Takeaways for Fans
For fans looking to make the most of this playoff series, consider the following:
- Get Your Tickets Early: With the intense rivalry, tickets will sell quickly. Make sure to secure yours well in advance to witness the action live.
- Plan Your Game Day: Arrive early to enjoy the pre-game festivities and soak in the atmosphere. Familiarize yourself with stadium policies for a smoother experience.
Historical Significance of the Rivalry
The rivalry between the Phillies and Mets has deep historical roots, filled with memorable moments that have defined their encounters over the years.
- Iconic Games: This matchup has seen epic battles, including pennant races and dramatic comebacks that have cemented its place in baseball lore.
- Player Rivalries: Individual player matchups have often added fuel to the fire, with players on both sides having a history of fierce competition.
Tips for Watching the Games
If you’re planning to catch the games at home or with friends, here are some tips to enhance your viewing experience:
- Set Up a Viewing Party: Gather friends and family to share in the excitement. Prepare snacks and make it a celebratory event.
- Engage on Social Media: Join the conversation on platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with fellow fans and share your thoughts during the games.
