MLB Playoffs: Mets and Phillies Set for Pivotal Game 3 in New York

The New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies are set to continue their National League Division Series at Citi Field on Tuesday, having each secured a win in the initial games held in Philadelphia. The Mets triumphed in their first encounter on Saturday, only for the Phillies to bounce back in Game 2, overcoming a series of lead changes to claim victory in a dramatic finish.

Tuesday’s game marks a significant return for the Mets, who have not played on their home turf since September 22. Left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea, who boasts a record of 12-6 with a 3.47 ERA, will start for the Mets. Opposing him is Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola, who has a career ERA of 3.28 from 14 starts at Citi Field, and this season sports a 14-8 record with a 3.57 ERA.

The second game saw excitement in the final inning with the Phillies reclaiming a lead they previously lost, ultimately winning in the bottom of the ninth. That momentum sets the stage for a highly-anticipated Game 3 in New York. Mets fans are expected to pack the stadium in support of their team, adding to the excitement and home advantage.

The Mets’ Pete Alonso continues to be a postseason powerhouse, hitting an opposite-field solo home run off Nola in the second inning, marking his third home run of the playoffs. It’s performances like these that contribute to Alonso’s burgeoning reputation as a critical player in pivotal games.

In a press briefing, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong performance regardless of the venue. “We’ve got to play here, otherwise we get booed,” said Lindor, referring to the team’s recent streak of road games. “It’s definitely going to bring a different energy being home here, for sure.”

Brandon Nimmo, another key Mets player, described the series as “a traveling circus” filled with “magic, high-wire acts, and a little bit of clowning around,” echoing the dramatic elements of the recent games. “This is what everybody wants out of October baseball,” said Nimmo. “It’s really fun to play baseball like this.”

Game 3 is scheduled to start at 5:08 p.m. ET at Citi Field, and fans can expect more thrilling moments as the Mets and Phillies continue their fight for a place in the National League Championship Series.