Phillies Top Pitcher Set to Rejoin Team to Face the Surging Mets…
The New York Mets struck first in their September showdown with the Philadelphia Phillies. The two teams will continue their three-game series on Saturday afternoon, with the Mets hoping to close the gap in the National League East standings. The Mets’ 11-3 victory in Friday’s opener brought them within seven games of the leading Phillies. With only 15 games left, the Mets have several chances to reduce the deficit, including the upcoming Saturday and Sunday games in Philadelphia and a four-game series in New York next weekend.
“We’re in a competitive race right now,” said Jose Quintana, who earned the win on Friday. “We have a lot of confidence. Every game is a new challenge.” In the opener, the Mets showcased impressive performances, with Quintana delivering seven scoreless innings and the team hitting four home runs: three by Francisco Alvarez, Brandon Nimmo, and Harrison Bader, and a solo shot from Pete Alonso. The Mets, who are holding the third NL wild-card spot, are 12-2 in their last 14 games and are on track for their third 90-win season since 2007. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted, “We’re playing well and doing a lot of things right.”
However, there is some concern about star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who left Friday’s game with a sore back. Mendoza downplayed the injury, saying it’s day-to-day and expressing confidence Lindor will be in the lineup for Saturday’s game.
For the Phillies, Brandon Marsh’s three-run homer in the ninth inning on Friday was their only notable offense, as they only had one runner reach third base all game. Marsh is expected to return to the lineup against Mets right-hander Luis Severino (10-6, 3.74 ERA), who has been outstanding recently, allowing just two runs in 13 2/3 innings this month and boasting a 3-0 record with a 1.95 ERA in his last five starts. Severino has faced the Phillies once before, earning a win with seven scoreless innings as a Yankees pitcher on June 26, 2018.
Kolby Allard (2-0, 3.50 ERA) will be recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to start for the Phillies. Philadelphia has had difficulty finding a consistent fifth starter behind Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, and Cristopher Sanchez. Allard has performed well in his 18 major league innings this season, including a solid five-inning, two-run performance against the Kansas City Royals on August 25. Phillies manager Rob Thomson praised Allard’s performance, highlighting his effective changeup and ability to escape early trouble.
Allard will make his debut against the Mets. The Phillies have won four of their seven encounters with the Mets this season, and the teams have never faced each other in the postseason. “I think this series will continue to feel like playoff baseball,” said Nimmo.
