Mets Dominate Phillies, Close in on NLCS Spot
In a pivotal Game 3 of the National League Division Series, the New York Mets showcased their postseason mettle with a convincing 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. With this win, the Mets have taken a 2-1 lead in the series, positioning themselves just one win away from a long-awaited return to the National League Championship Series (NLCS), their first potential appearance since 2015.
The narrative of the night centered on Sean Manaea, the Mets' seasoned left-hander, who delivered a performance both masterful and deeply personal. Holding the Phillies to just one run over seven commanding innings, Manaea struck out six batters, a significant feat considering his previous postseason struggles. His earlier appearances had yielded a daunting 15.26 ERA, but this year, Manaea has demonstrated marked improvement, allowing only three runs over 12 innings in the current postseason.
Carlos Mendoza, reflecting on Manaea’s resilience against a notoriously aggressive Phillies lineup, remarked, "He didn't back down from contact. He didn't back away. We know they are an aggressive lineup, and they showed it right away. They were attacking him but he kept getting the baseball. He had really good rhythm and he went right after. He trusted his stuff. He trusted the game plan, and he didn't back away from it."
This game was not just another victory for Manaea; it carried a profound emotional weight. He dedicated his standout performance to his Aunt Mabel, who had passed away earlier in the day. "That game was for her," he solemnly declared, channeling his grief into a spirited and memorable effort on the mound.
Part of Manaea's revitalized form can be attributed to a midseason adjustment to his arm slot, a change likened to the technique of Chris Sale. This adjustment appears to have paid dividends, offering a new angle and deception to his pitches. As Mendoza noted, Manaea’s varied use of his arsenal, particularly his changeup, was crucial: "I liked how he used all of his pitches, especially the changeup. And when he needed to make pitches, he did an unbelievable job, and like I said, he was on the attack."
The game saw the Mets' offense apply relentless pressure on the Phillies’ pitching staff. Through a blend of power and tenacity, they maintained control, rarely giving their opponents any breathing room. Although the bullpen allowed an inherited runner to score, the offensive cushion built by the Mets' lineup ensured that the game never slipped from their grasp.
As the 32-year-old Manaea considers opting out of his $13.5 million salary for 2025 to possibly explore free agency, performances like this undoubtedly bolster his market value. Yet, for now, his focus remains on the immediate task at hand: clinching the series and advancing to the NLCS.
With the Mets riding this wave of momentum and needing just one more win to seal the series, the anticipation among their fans reaches a fever pitch. It’s a chance not only to relive the successful memories of past campaigns but to carve out new ones, powered by standout performances like that of Sean Manaea’s—a game played with heart, skill, and in tribute to family.