The National League Division Series (NLDS) kicks off this Saturday afternoon, featuring Game 1 between the New York Mets (89-73) and the Philadelphia Phillies (95-67). This best-of-five series will see Games 1, 2, and 5 held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The Mets earned their spot by overcoming the Milwaukee Brewers in a thrilling Wild Card Round, while the Phillies, as the second seed in the National League, enjoyed a bye into this round. The Phillies hold a slight edge in the season series, with a 7-6 record against the Mets. As of now, the Mets have not confirmed their starting pitcher due to David Peterson’s unexpected appearance in the ninth inning of Thursday’s game. The Phillies are set to start Zack Wheeler, who boasts an impressive 2.57 ERA. Fans can tune in at 4:08 PM EST on FOX.
Mets Rally in Wild Card Showdown
The New York Mets advanced through a dramatic Wild Card matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers, the only series of the four to reach a decisive Game 3. The Brewers, having dominated the NL Central throughout the season, hosted all three games. After splitting the first two contests, the Mets faced a daunting 2-0 deficit in the ninth inning of Game 3. Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo managed to get on base, setting the stage for Pete Alonso’s game-winning three-run home run, marking a pivotal moment in their playoff journey.
Post-game, Alonso shared his excitement with ESPN reporters, stating, “This has been unreal. What a ride. I’m just excited to help keep this team alive.” Known for his power, Alonso led the Mets with 34 home runs this season, adding 88 RBIs while maintaining a .240 batting average. The leadoff hitter, Lindor, topped the team’s batting average charts at .273, contributing 33 home runs and a team-high 91 RBIs. Nimmo, batting third, added to the Mets’ offensive strength with 23 home runs and 90 RBIs.
New York has yet to announce their starting pitcher as of this writing. Although David Peterson was a potential candidate, he was called in to close the ninth inning on Thursday. Options include Luis Severino on short rest, Tylor Megill, or even a bullpen game. The Mets finished the season with a collective 3.96 ERA, ranking 15th in the league.
Phillies Gear Up for Playoff Challenge
The Philadelphia Phillies are aiming for their first World Series title since 2008, entering the NLDS after a well-deserved break due to their bye. While this time off allowed players to recover from minor injuries and ensured their ace would pitch in Game 1, it also risked disrupting their rhythm, especially as they face a confident Mets team. The last time the Phillies played was September 29th, concluding the season with a victory over the Washington Nationals.
All key players are primed for Game 1, with Kyle Schwarber leading off. Although not a traditional leadoff hitter, Schwarber’s power-hitting skills have proven effective in this role, finishing the season with 38 home runs and 104 RBIs while batting .248. Bryce Harper also had a strong season, contributing 30 home runs, 87 RBIs, and a .285 average. Trae Turner led the team in batting average at .295, complementing his 21 home runs and 62 RBIs. Alec Bohm had a standout year as well, achieving 97 RBIs with a .280 average.
Zack Wheeler will take the mound for Philadelphia. The seasoned right-hander has made two All-Star teams and finished the season with an impressive 2.57 ERA. He also ranked third in the league with 224 strikeouts, allowing only 22 home runs over 200 innings pitched. In a previous matchup against the Mets on September 22nd, Wheeler allowed two earned runs, which was enough for a narrow defeat as the Mets edged the game 2-1.
Analyzing Game 1: Mets vs. Phillies
The Mets enter Game 1 with a surge of momentum. They secured a crucial victory against the Atlanta Braves on the final Monday of the regular season and continued that momentum by winning Game 1 of the Wild Card Round against the Brewers in nail-biting fashion. Alonso’s home run was a pivotal moment, but it was Lindor and Nimmo’s on-base contributions that set the stage for the victory. Despite the Phillies’ success in the NL East, the Mets still managed to defeat them six times during the regular season, indicating a competitive edge. Wheeler’s prior encounter with the Mets saw him surrender a home run to Nimmo, showcasing potential vulnerabilities. The Mets have not confirmed their starting pitcher, but whether it’s Severino or Peterson, they are well-equipped to challenge the Phillies. With the Phillies having sat idle for several days, there is a chance that rust could affect their performance. It is reasonable to anticipate that the Mets might take Game 1 on the road.
