It’s been a display of pure dominance from the New York Mets (70-56) throughout the first three meetings against the Philadelphia Phillies (50-77) with an aggregate score of 31-16 thus far. The Mets will look to complete the four-game sweep in their series finale at Citizens Bank Park later tonight. Will they succeed in doing so? Or will the Phillies get the last laugh?
Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of this rivalry matchup. And if you’re still craving for more baseball action, check out our preview between the Pirates and Marlins.
[sc:MLBArticles ]New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview
Where: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
When: Thursday, August 27, 7:05 PM ET
Line: New York Mets (-170) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (+150); Total: 8.5 — View all MLB Lines
Betting on the New York Mets
The New York Mets are one of the hottest teams in the majors right now with a six-game winning streak to be proud about. As a result, they now hold a comfortable 6.5-game lead over the Nationals for the No.1 spot in the NL East division. The Mets will be looking to stretch their unbeaten run even further when they send Jonathon Niese (8-9, 3.80 ERA) on the mound later for the conclusion of their series with the Philadelphia Phillies.
[sc:MLB240banner ]Niese’s consistency has been one of brightest spots for New York this season. But that didn’t show during his previous outing on Saturday night at Colorado. The 28-year-old lefty gave up seven earned runs and 11 hits through 5 1/3 innings but still picked up his eighth win of the season in a 14-9 Mets triumph.
Before this start, though, Niese showcased his efficiency in his previous three contests, as he allowed just seven runs in total along with 16 strikeouts over 15 innings of work. The Mets went 2-1 in that span. Throughout 12 road starts this year, Niese owns a 4-5 record with a 3.48 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP.
Of course, Niese can’t win by himself. He’ll definitely need some support from his teammates at the plate. Looking to lead the charge for the Mets is none other than the duo of Daniel Murphy and Michael Cuddyer . Murphy is 7-for-23 with two doubles and four RBIs in the past five contests and is a career .313 batter against Philadelphia. Cuddyer, meanwhile, is hitting 7-for-10 so far in the series while carrying a .333 batting average in the same matchup.
Also, left fielder Yoenis Cespedes will look to continue holding a hot bat, as he is 13-for-34 with five home runs and 12 RBIs in his previous seven contests.
New York is 4-1 in their previous five road games with Niese starting.
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Betting on the Philadelphia Phillies
Disappointing would be the perfect word to describe the Philadelphia Phillies’ season. They’re once again right on track for a second-straight last place finish in their division. But it’s not yet too late for the Phillies to end their 2015 campaign on a good note with 35 games remaining in the schedule. A win tonight in their series finale with the New York Mets would definitely be a good start to spark a run.
Pitching for the Phillies will be Aaron Harang (5-14, 4.67 ERA), who notched his first strong start of August on Saturday at Miami. In that outing, the 37-year-old veteran got the no-decision but logged in seven frames of two-run ball to get the 4-2 triumph. Against the Mets, Harang has gone 0-2 this season despite yielding just three earned runs in 13 innings. The Phillies are 2-8 in their previous 10 games with him starting.
As for the offense, the Phillies will heavily rely on Odubel Herrera. Herrera leads the team at the plate with a .292 batting average and has been spectacular throughout the month of August, hitting .337 along with four doubles, two homers and eight RBIs. He is also 3-for-7 lifetime off the Mets’ starter Jonathon Niese.
Philadelphia is 3-7 in its previous 10 home games.
Writer’s Prediction:
The Mets (+150) win, 7-3, to complete the four-game sweep.
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