ID 44614940 © Gerald T. Coli | Dreamstime.com

Mets Overpower Phillies in Game 3 of NL Division Series

Mets’ star Pete Alonso once again sent Aaron Nola’s pitch sailing over the fence, while Sean Manaea delivered an exceptional two-hit shutout into the eighth inning. This led to the New York Mets’ 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Tuesday’s Game 3 of their NL Division Series. Jesse Winker joined the home run frenzy, and Starling Marte’s crucial two-run single bolstered the wild-card Mets, who were playing their first home game in 16 days, to secure a 2-1 lead in the five-game series.

Game 4 Hopes Hang in the Balance

Game 4 is slated for Wednesday with Philadelphia’s All-Star Ranger Suárez facing off against fellow southpaw Jose Quintana. A victory for the Mets would catapult them towards the National League Championship Series against either the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Diego Padres. Mets’ fans wait with bated breath for a clinching celebration at the home ground of Citi Field, which has not witnessed such a celebration since its inauguration in 2009.

Phillies’ Playoff Future Under Threat

Having reached the 2022 World Series and Game 7 of last year’s NLCS, the NL East champion Phillies find themselves on the precipice of an early playoff dismissal at the hands of their rivals, the Mets. Philadelphia’s manager Rob Thomson reinforced the team’s resilience, emphasizing their need to focus on winning the next game.

Manaea was pulled after an infield single kick-started the eighth inning. The towering left-hander, who has emerged as New York’s ace during the second half of the season, received a standing ovation from the 44,093 strong crowd as he exited the mound, dedicating the game to his late Aunt Mabel.

Manaea’s First Playoff Win

Manaea achieved his first playoff win, overcoming his previous 0-3 record and a 10.66 ERA in his postseason career. His outstanding performance was aided by Tyrone Taylor’s superb throw from deep center field, which stopped a runner at second base in the fourth.

Alonso’s second home run of the series and third in New York’s past four playoff games came from Nola’s first pitch of the second inning. The ball landed in the front row of the second deck, marking Alonso’s sixth career homer off Nola.

Mets Pull Ahead in Sixth Inning

The Mets extended their lead in the sixth inning when Marte’s two-run single made it 4-0. Back-to-back walks from Nimmo and Alonso loaded the bases again in the seventh before Jose Iglesias’ two-run single off José Ruiz brought the score to 7-2.

The Phillies managed to claw back two runs in the eighth, but Mets’ Ryne Stanek halted their momentum, getting Alec Bohm out to end the inning. The Mets’ victory was sealed with Francisco Lindor’s run-scoring double in the bottom half of the inning.

Looking Ahead to Game 4

As the Mets and Phillies gear up for Game 4, both teams have high hopes for their starting pitchers. Suárez, who performed well against the Mets this season, believes he has found the mechanical fix he needed after a challenging September. On the other side, Quintana, who pitched six shutout innings at Milwaukee last Thursday, is eager to replicate his performance against the Phillies.

With the stage set for an exciting Game 4, both teams are poised to give their all in this thrilling NL Division Series.