NLDS Game 1: Mets vs. Phillies Matchup Highlights and Analysis

The Philadelphia Phillies, following their impressive National League Wild Card Series win, are set to face off against their longtime rivals, the New York Mets, in the National League Division Series (NLDS). The first game of the series is scheduled for 4:08 p.m. on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park.

In a surprising announcement made just over a day before the first pitch, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that Kodai Senga would start Game 1 against the Phillies. Opposing him will be Zack Wheeler, who will pitch for the Phillies after their first-round bye as the No. 2 seed in the National League.

The game opened with high tension, notably when Mets player Mark Vientos hit a single and Brandon Nimmo drew a walk in the top of the fourth inning. However, the opportunity was squandered when Pete Alonso was struck out and Jose Iglesias grounded into a double play, maintaining the Phillies’ 1-0 lead.

Starling Marte‘s confrontation with a 95 mph sinker in the fifth inning was another moment of concern for the Mets, although he remained in the game. Tyrone Taylor and Francisco Alvarez both struck out to conclude the inning scoreless for the Mets.

Kodai Senga, despite giving up a leadoff home run to Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber, steadied his performance. After yielding a walk to Bryce Harper in the first inning, Senga struck out three players, including two with his signature forkball. He finished two innings, allowing one run on 31 pitches.

David Peterson took over pitching duties for the Mets in the bottom of the third inning. Meanwhile, Zack Wheeler was efficient for the Phillies, managing to keep the Mets’ base runners at bay, with only a solitary walk by Jesse Winker in the second inning as a blemish on his record at the time.

Kyle Schwarber capitalized on his successful leadoff record, adding a 425-foot solo home run to his repertoire. This followed Senga’s pitch after returning from a calf strain, setting the early lead for the Phillies at 1-0.

Zack Wheeler’s initial dominance was evident in a swift first inning, managing three outs on just 11 pitches, each one a strike, showcasing his formidable form as the postseason began.