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The New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies will square off at Citizens Bank Park for their first NLDS game on Saturday. The Mets made it past the Milwaukee Brewers in a dramatic wild card series win with the help of All-Star slugger Pete Alonso.
Philadephia will have the home-field advantage and will enter this game with plenty of rest. The Mets are coming off a tough road battle with the Brewers with just one day of rest.
Mets vs. Phillies records and recent form
The Phillies secured direct qualification to the NLDS after clinching the NL East. Philadelphia finished with a 95-67 record, while the Mets made it to the wild card round and finished the regular season with an 89-73 record.
Philadelphia had an underwhelming finish to the regular season as they dropped their series against the Nationals. Rob Thomson might have been taking it slow for his team since they already made it to the postseason. The Mets had to fight against the Braves in their double-header to prevail and defeat a plucky Brewers to make it to the NLDS.
Players to watch
Starting pitchers
Kodai Senga (1-0, 3.88 ERA) vs. Zack Wheeler (16-7. 2.57 ERA)
Senga has come to the rescue of the Mets at the right moment. Senga was sidelined with a shoulder injury, and his return has brought more hope for the team in their postseason run.
Career vs. Phillies: (1-1,1.46 ERA, 12 IP, 15 SO, 0 HR, 3 BB)
Zach Wheeler has an outstanding 0.96 WHIP with 224 strikeouts. The ace has a 4-3 postseason record with a 2.42 ERA.
Career vs. Mets: (5-5, 3.56 ERA, 96 IP, 93 SO, 5 HR, 20 BB).
Must watch hitters:
Mets
Pete Alonso is the danger man for the Mets, especially after his unforgettable three-run home run against the Brewers. Alonso is also the leader in home runs for his team with 34. Another player to watch out for is Francisco Lindor, who smashed 33 home runs. Lindor also has great potential to steal bases.
Phillies
Philadelphia has several top hitters to watch out for, especially Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Nick Castellanos.
Mets vs. Phillies baseball betting odds
Mets vs. Phillies expert picks and game prediction
Both teams have formidable pitchers on the mound and top hitters who have been hot at the plate. However, the advantage seems to be leaning towards Philadelphia.
Wheeler is a top pitcher who has excellent numbers for his team. As for Senga, he's getting back after a long time and will be up against a top-hitting squad. Based on the odds, the Phils are predicted to win Game 1.
Runline: -1.5 (+120)
Total Runs: U 7 (-105)
Prediction: Phillies W, 7-3
