Mets Going For First Series Win Of Second Half Over Phillies

The New York Mets are going for the series win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday after winning the opener 4-1 to kick off the second half of the season.

The Mets enjoyed a stress-free win on the shoulders of rookie right-hander Christian Scott, who pitched 5.2 scoreless innings and allowed just three hits while striking out seven batters for his third win of the year.

He outdueled veteran righty Aaron Nola despite the 33-year-old tossing a quality start. Nola got through six innings with just one run allowed, but utilityman Brett Baty and catcher Francisco Alvarez went back-to-back before he was pulled in the seventh. He allowed three runs on six hits and four walks while punching out six.

Alvarez homered earlier in the evening to put the Mets on the board, marking his seventh career multi-homer game. The 24-year-old is putting together a nice campaign despite New York’s misfortunes.

Speaking of New York’s misfortunes, their messy first half has led them to make pretty much every veteran on an expiring deal up for grabs at the trade deadline, including today’s starting pitcher.

Mets lefty Sean Manaea has found more success as a starter this season and is a buy-low option for pitcher-needy playoff teams. He is 2-4 with a 4.56 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 74 strikeouts to 24 walks through 20 games (six starts, 75 innings).

Manaea last worked against the Kansas City Royals and had his best start of the year, going seven innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits and one walk while fanning six in a 3-2 victory.

He will go toe-to-to with fellow southpaw Jesus Luzardo, who has been on fire over his last seven starts. Luzardo is 8-4 with a 3.51 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 136 strikeouts (fifth) to 35 walks through 19 starts (110.1 innings).

The All-Star, who pitched a perfect inning with one strikeout in the All-Star Game, is coming off a dominant performance against the Cincinnati Reds. The 28-year-old threw seven shutout innings and allowed just two hits and two walks while punching out 11 hitters in a 1-0 win.

A Mets win Saturday would even up the season series at five wins apiece, creating a chance to sweep Sunday and steal the season series from a should-be playoff team and bitter division rival.

First pitch is at 3:05 p.m. EDT on MLB.TV and regional sports networks.