The Philadelphia Phillies host the New York Mets in the final regular season series of the backyard brawl and have revenge and a first round bye on their minds. The Mets are fighting for their playoff lives.
In late August, the Phillies were swept in a three game series at Citi Field, making it 10 straight losses in New York. The Phillies' lead in the division fell from seven games to four after being outscored 25 to eight.
Christopher Sanchez gave up six runs in five innings, Jesus Luzardo only lasted four innings, Taijuan Walker got lit up for ten hits, and Jhoan Duran gave up a run on four hits without recording an out in a loss.
The Phils returned home and responded with a vengeance, winning 21 of their next 32 games. They took three of four from the Braves then swept the Brewers in three games in Milwaukee. The Brewers have been the hottest team in baseball since the All-Star break and lead MLB with 89 wins.
The Phillies lead the Mets by seven games with 25 remaining and host them for a four-game series at Citizens Bank Park.
Aaron Nola faces Nolan McLean in the first game of the series. McLean is a rookie sensation (3-0, 0.89 ERA) and has been untouchable in his first four MLB starts, allowing two earned runs or fewer each time. In the August sweep at Citi Field, McLean got the win with eight shutout innings and six strikeouts.
Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber will be happy to welcome McLean to the friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park.
Ranger Suarez, Christopher Sanchez, and Walker Buehler pitch games two, three, and four. The Phils will have a better feel for their pitching staff as we head towards Red October.
The Phillies have won seven of their last 10 games and five of six games against the Mets at Citizens Bank Park this season. The Mets have been struggling and will be fighting for their Wildcard lives.
After getting bounced out of the 2024 playoffs by the Mets and swept in New York in late August, the Phillies host their heated rival for a four game series and have revenge and a first round bye on their minds.