The National League Division Series (NLDS) shifts its focus on Tuesday, as the Philadelphia Phillies (95-67) are set to clash with the New York Mets (89-73) in Game 3 of their best-of-five series. After a thrilling Game 2 that featured six home runs, the Phillies emerged victorious with a 7-6 win, tying the series at one game apiece. The Mets will host Games 3 and 4 at Citi Field, with a potential Game 5 scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia. Starting for the Phillies is Aaron Nola (3.57 ERA), while the Mets will counter with Sean Manaea (3.47 ERA). The first pitch is slated for 5:08 PM ET and will be broadcast on FS1.
Trusted Insights for MLB Picks!
Late-Game Heroics from Philadelphia
Game 2 was a rollercoaster ride, featuring four lead changes as both teams showcased their power hitting. Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos each contributed home runs, but it was Castellanos who delivered the decisive blow. In the bottom of the ninth inning, with the game tied at 6-6, he faced a 1-2 count and managed to hit a single to left field, driving in Trea Turner for the game-winning run. The Phillies now face the challenge of securing at least one victory in New York to keep their postseason hopes alive.
After his clutch performance, Castellanos shared a special moment with his son and reflected on the significance of the hit. He told ESPN, “When I’m old and no one cares about me as a baseball player anymore, we’re going to be home and be able to remember and look back at that.” He finished the game with three hits and two RBIs. Harper, batting third, is eager for his first World Series title, having seen his former team, the Nationals, win it just a year after he departed. This season, Harper recorded 30 home runs and 87 RBIs. Despite struggling in Game 2 with an 0-5 performance, Kyle Schwarber had made an impact by hitting a home run in his playoff debut in Game 1. He led the Phillies with 38 home runs and 104 RBIs during the regular season. Trea Turner also shined in the Game 2 win, contributing two hits and two runs scored, finishing the season with the team’s highest batting average of .295.
Aaron Nola, the seasoned right-hander, takes the mound for the Phillies. Over ten seasons, he has consistently been a strong performer, making over 30 starts in each of the last four years. Nola’s ERA stands at 3.57, complemented by 197 strikeouts against 50 walks. This season, he faced the Mets twice, experiencing both a shutout victory and a loss where he allowed six earned runs.
Need Help with MLB? Reach Out to the Best MLB Cappers!
Mets Experience a Setback
The New York Mets enjoyed a thrilling postseason run leading up to this series, needing to clinch a playoff spot on the final day of the regular season. They also advanced in the Wild Card Round with a last-inning victory and upset the Phillies in Game 1. However, their momentum took a hit in Game 2 as they fell to the late-game heroics of the Phillies.
In Game 2, the Mets launched four home runs, with Mark Vientos hitting two of them, while Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo also made significant contributions. Vientos has emerged as a vital player for the Mets, quietly accumulating eight postseason hits and batting .400. As the third baseman batting second in the lineup, he finished the regular season with 27 home runs and 71 RBIs. Alonso, who is a constant home run threat, has also hit two postseason home runs, including a game-winner in the Wild Card Round. He led the Mets with 34 home runs this season but is struggling at .176 in the playoffs. Brandon Nimmo has been another consistent performer, with seven hits and a .333 batting average in the playoffs. Lindor, batting leadoff, went 2-5 with two runs in Game 2 and concluded the regular season with 33 home runs.
Starting for the Mets is Sean Manaea, a 32-year-old left-hander who finished the regular season with a record of 12-6. With an ERA of 3.47, he recorded 184 strikeouts against 63 walks, allowing 21 home runs. Manaea faced the Phillies three times this season, accumulating a 5.40 ERA in those matchups. His most recent appearance against them was on September 21, where he struggled against the Philadelphia lineup.
Strategic Bets for Phillies vs. Mets
The momentum has clearly shifted in favor of the Phillies, who have emerged as a formidable force in the postseason. Their consistent performance throughout the regular season contrasts with the Mets, who fought hard just to reach the playoffs. Manaea, slated to start, has struggled against the Phillies this year, giving up four home runs and sporting a 5.40 ERA in their encounters. His last outing against them saw both Schwarber and Castellanos take him deep. On the other hand, Nola’s ERA against the Mets is more favorable at 4.05, and he ranked 13th in the league for strikeouts with 197. The Phillies have outperformed the Mets in batting average, run production, and team ERA this season. With Nola’s postseason experience and skill, he is expected to lead the Phillies to a critical win on the road.
