The New York Mets (29-27) host the Philadelphia Phillies (25-30) at Citi Field on Thursday with the home team looking to sweep the three-game series.
The Mets lead the series 2-0 after winning 4-1 on Wednesday. Starter Carlos Carrasco went six innings to get the win, allowing one run on six hits, and David Robertson picked up his 10th save with a scoreless ninth.
Mark Canha went 2 for 3 with a home run and four RBIs in the win. Edmundo Sosa was 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the Phillies.
ON THE MOUND
Taijuan Walker (4-2, 5.57 ERA) is set to take the mound for Philadelphia. The RHP allowed three runs over 6.2 innings in his last start, a 6-4 road win over the Braves on Friday.
He earned the win, giving up 10 hits while striking out one and walking one.For New York, righty Max Scherzer (4-2, 3.54 ERA) gets the start. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Phillies.
Scherzer made four appearances against the Phillies in 2022, all as the starter, striking out 29 and walking four over 24 innings (2-1, 3.38).
In his last start on Friday, Scherzer got the win on the road against the Rockies. He threw seven innings and gave up one run on six hits, striking out eight, in the 5-2 triumph.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Philadelphia has averaged only 2.6 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.1, while performing worse across the board (.204/.279/.327). Against right-handed pitchers like Scherzer this season, the Phils have a .741 OPS.
Brandon Marsh is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .861 OPS in 117 at-bats. New York is averaging 5.6 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.4 for the season, with a higher slash line (.262/.333/.476). The Mets have a .724 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .867 OPS over 145 at-bats, Pete Alonso has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Philadelphia is on a three-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 11-20 in 2023. The Phils have scored 3.8 runs per game away from home, while allowing 5.7 runs. New York has won seven in a row in front of their home fans.
The Mets are 14-9 at home this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.4. In the last 10 meetings at Citi Field, New York is 8-2 with an average scoreline of 4.6-2.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Phillies are fourth in the NL East, seven games behind the division-leading Braves. The Mets are second in the NL East, four games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
NY Mets (-185)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
