Series preview: Phillies at Mets, September 17 – September 19

Ah yes, another huge series against the New York Mets in September. The Phillies head down to Queens for yet another big weekend series against the Mets This season.

Here are a few things to look out for this series.

Last time they met

When the Mets came down to Philadelphia in early August, things were looking great for the Phillies. The stadium was rocking, and the Phillies were rolling. The three-game sweep capped off an eight-game winning streak that made us briefly think that it was all smooth sailing from there (it wasn’t).

What’s new with the Mets?

Things haven’t gone so well for the Mets either.

Much like the Phillies, they mix in the occasional stretch of good baseball — they had a six-game winning streak not that long ago — but in the end, always fall back to their usual level of disappointment.

Their record since the last meeting is 15-20 which should have eliminated them from contention, but they play in the NL East.

MV3

If the Phillies fall short of the playoffs, they’ll have wasted what might turn out to be the best offensive season in team history.

At this point, we’ve come to expect nightly greatness from Harper, and even with those expectations, he was relally impressive  on Thursday night against the Chicago Cubs with a 3-4, two walks, three runs scored, four RBIs, and and a second deck home run night. That might have been his best night ever, and sadly, those numbers represent a good series for many of his teammates.

Harper’s career numbers at Citi Field are very good (.824) as opposed to the amazing numbers he’s put up at other stadiums.

Sunday Night Baseball (ugh)

ESPN chose to move Sunday’s game to prime time. This works out well for many fans who can now be disappointed by the Eagles in the afternoon, have a nice leisurely dinner, and then be disappointed by the Phillies in the evening. (I’m just kidding, I’m actually optimistic about the Eagles on Sunday.)

Pitching matchups

Game 1: Zack Wheeler (RHP, 13-9, 2.86 ERA) vs. Taijuan Walker (RHP, 7-9, 4.29 ERA)
Game 2: Aaron Nola (RHP, 7–8, 4.58 ERA) vs. Carlos Carrasco (RHP, 1–2, 5.59 ERA)
Game 3: Kyle Gibson (RHP, 10–7, 3.49 ERA) vs. Rich Hill (LHP, 6–7, 3.88 ERA)

The numbers

Run Differential:
Phillies: -12
Mets: -18

Runs Scored Per Game:
Phillies: 4.64
Mets: 3.97

Runs Allowed Per Game:
Phillies: 4.72
Mets: 4.09

Game times and broadcasts

• Friday September 17 at 7:10pm ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP
• Saturday September 18 at 7:15pm ET on FOX, 94.1 WIP
• Sunday September 19 at 7:08pm ET on ESPN, 94.1 WIP