The New York Mets (89-73) and Milwaukee Brewers (93-69) face off in Game 3 of their best-of-three wildcard series, aiming to secure a place in the NLDS. The matchup is set for Thursday night at American Family Field, kicking off at 8:38 PM ET.
Starting for the Mets is Jose Quintana, who holds a record of 10-10 with a 3.75 ERA. The Brewers will respond with Tobias Myers, who has a record of 9-6 and a 3.00 ERA.
Interestingly, Milwaukee has a strong track record against New York, boasting an 8-2 record in their last 10 matchups.
For reliable insights on MLB predictions, look to our expert analysis.
Mets Aim to Rebound from Heartbreak
The Mets entered Game 2 with hopes of sealing the series, but a late-game collapse in the eighth inning turned the tide. Despite a solid outing from Sean Manaea, Phil Maton’s struggles allowed the Brewers to mount an impressive comeback, leading to a critical loss for New York. Determined to advance, they will need a strong performance on Thursday night.
Throughout the regular season, the Mets averaged 4.75 runs per game. With a .247 batting average, they ranked 12th league-wide. Their on-base percentage of .320 was eighth, while their slugging percentage of .416 placed them ninth.
Francisco Lindor stood out with a .273 batting average and 91 RBIs, while Pete Alonso showcased his power with 34 home runs.
New York’s pitching staff performed admirably, allowing 3.91 runs per game. Opponents managed only a .229 batting average against them, ranking second in the league. While their 3.94 ERA was 14th, their WHIP of 1.26 ranked 18th. However, the Mets have already surrendered nine runs in the first two games of this series.
In his last outing, Quintana allowed five hits and two runs over 4.1 innings during a 6-0 defeat to the Brewers. For New York to advance, they will need a more effective showing from him.
Brewers Seek Momentum for Playoff Push
Milwaukee’s resilience was on full display as they rebounded from a Game 1 defeat to keep their postseason hopes alive. Aiming for a win against the Mets, they aspire to reach the NLDS for the first time since 2021.
During the regular season, the Brewers averaged 4.80 runs per game. Their batting average of .248 placed them eighth overall. They maintained a .326 on-base percentage, ranking fourth, and a slugging percentage of .403, which was 13th.
Against the Mets in the regular season, Milwaukee had the upper hand, outscoring them 26-17 across six games. Key contributors include William Contreras, who led the team with a .281 batting average, and Willy Adames, who notched 32 home runs and 112 RBIs. Jackson Chourio emerged as a standout in their recent victory, going 2-for-4 with two home runs and two RBIs.
Milwaukee’s pitching has been among the league’s best, allowing just 3.62 runs per game. Opponents had a .237 batting average against them, ranking 10th. Their 3.65 ERA was fifth, and their WHIP of 1.23 was ninth. In his most recent start, Myers threw four innings, giving up only one hit and no runs, contributing to a 6-0 shutout against the Mets. A similar performance will be crucial for their success.
Best Bets for Mets vs. Brewers Showdown
Both teams have found some success, winning three of their last five games. Offensively, the Mets have the edge, scoring 24 runs compared to the Brewers’ 23 runs during that stretch. With Myers’ recent struggles on the mound, allowing 10 runs over his last three starts, New York could take advantage.
The Brewers’ bullpen has also faced challenges, giving up seven runs in their last three outings. This trend could make it difficult for them to contain the Mets’ lineup. Conversely, Quintana has been solid, allowing only two runs in his last four starts, and he didn’t yield a run in three of those appearances. Given the current state of both bullpens, New York appears poised to take this game, making them a sound choice to cover the money line.