Mets vs. Phillies: NLDS Game 2 predictions, odds and picks — Oct 6, MLB 2024

On Sunday, the Mets and Phillies will dig in for the second game of the NLDS between the two NL East rival clubs. It will be the second game at Citizens Bank Park before the series goes to Queens. The start time is slated for 4:08 pm ET.

In the first game of the series, DH Kyle Schwarber got the Phillies off to a solid start with a solo home run in the first. However, New York stormed back. A pair of RBIs from Brandon Nimmo lifted the Mets to a 6-2 win.

"The Mets stun the Phillies to take Game 1 at Citizens Bank Park" - FOX Sports: MLB

Mets vs Phillies recent form and records

Although the Mets finished five games behind the Phillies in the NL East, they were tied with the Atlanta Braves, forcing a doubleheader on the last game of the season to break the tie. 89-73 during the regular season, New York has outscored the opposition 21-13 this postseason, including their three-game set against Milwaukee.

The 95 wins posted by Philadelphia this season were second only to the Los Angeles Dodgers for the most in the NL. Boosted by formidable pitching and apt offense, Philadelphia won the NL East and went 54-27 at home this season.

Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

NYM: Luis Severino (11-7, 3.81 ERA) vs PHI: Cristopher Sanchez (11-9, 3.32 ERA)

Severino has a 1.244 WHIP, 3 BB/9 and 161 K in 182 IP.

Last Start: Win, 6 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K vs MIL

Career vs PHI: 2-0 2.84 ERA (19 IP, 6 ER) 3 HR in 3 games

Sanchez has a 1.244 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 153 K in 181.2 IP.

Last Start: ND, 4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K vs CHC

Career vs ATL: 2-2 3.62 ERA (37.1 IP, 15 ER) 5 HR in 9 games

Must-Watch Hitters

New York

Although first baseman Pete Alonso is hitting just .154 this postseason, the four RBIs slammed by him lead the MLB postseason so far. A career .249 hitter against Philly, Alonso also boasts a career .996 postseason OPS.

"Every single broadcast call of Pete Alonso's series-clinching HR in the 9th inning today. Includes Spanish call & Brewers radio." - Rich MacLeod

In the last 21 games of the season, third baseman Mark Vientos hit 5 home runs and 13 RBIs. Now, in four playoff games in 2024, Vientos has hit .313 with three RBIs. Watch out for Vientos to get some offense going again on Sunday.

Possible NL MVP contender Francisco Lindor hit 33 homers this year, his most since the 2018 campaign he had as a member of the Cleveland Guardians (then known as the Indians). The hero of his club's tiebreaker against the Braves with three RBIs, Lindor has a club-best 6 walks thus far in the 2024 playoffs.

Philadelphia

Bryce Harper is expected to lead his team as they eye the World Series for the third straight year. A .276/.383/.613 career hitter in 49 playoff games, Harper's 87 regular season RBIs also mark his most since the 2019 season.

Kyle Schwarber was responsible for the only homer for the Phillies on Saturday, and fans can likely expect a lot more from his bat this October. In addition to leading the NL in walks with 106 of them, Schwarber's .248 average was the second-best of his career. In 73 lifetime games against the Mets, Schwarber owns 18 homers and 44 RBIs.

"KYLE SCHWARBER LEADOFF TANK" - MLB

Mets vs Phillies baseball betting odds

Mets vs Phillies expert picks and game prediction

Of the thirteen games played between these two teams in the regular season, Philly walked away victorious seven times. While the Mets indeed punched above their weight this season, the Phillies are still, well, the Phillies.

Saturday starter Luis Severino pitched well in his last outing against the Milwaukee Brewers and has seen a lot of the Phillies this season and in his career. However, with 784 runs scored in the regular season, the offensive dynamism of the Phillies never fails to impress.

New York did well to win the first game, but Philly is dangerous at home. Expect Harper and company to even the scales with a win on Sunday.

Run Line: -1.5 +140

Total Runs: U 8 +100

Prediction: Philadelphia W, 5-2