Bitter Rivals Clash: Mets Host Phillies with Postseason on the Line
As the summer sun begins to set on the 2023 MLB season, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. These two bitter National League East rivals are set to meet on Friday night at Citi Field, with significant postseason implications hanging in the balance. With both teams vying for playoff positioning, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as they battle it out under the lights.
The Stakes: Magic Numbers and Wild Card Races
Entering this crucial four-game weekend series, the Philadelphia Phillies hold a magic number of four to clinch the NL East title. This means that any combination of Phillies wins and Atlanta Braves losses totaling four will secure the division for Philadelphia. Meanwhile, the Mets find themselves in a tight race for the wild card spots. They are currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second NL wild card position and hold a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves for the third spot. Every game counts, and this series could be pivotal in determining the postseason fates of both teams.
Mets’ Resilience Without Lindor
Despite the absence of star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who is sidelined with a back injury, the Mets have shown remarkable resilience. Veteran infielder José Iglesias has stepped up in a big way, hitting an impressive .455 since Lindor’s injury. His contributions have been crucial in helping the Mets sweep the Washington Nationals in their last series. Iglesias, who began the season in the minor leagues, is now boasting a .330 batting average, proving to be a sparkplug for the team when they needed it most.
Phillies’ Power Surge
On the other side of the diamond, the Phillies are looking to regain their footing after a midweek series loss in Milwaukee. However, the resurgence of former MVP Bryce Harper could not come at a better time. After a prolonged power outage that lasted 128 plate appearances, Harper has found his swing again, hitting three home runs in his last five games. His ability to produce in clutch situations will be critical as the Phillies aim to solidify their position in the standings.
Pitching Matchup: A Duel of Left-Handers
The pitching matchup for Friday night features two talented left-handers: David Peterson for the Mets and Christopher Sanchez for the Phillies. Peterson has been solid this season, sporting a 2.85 ERA, while Sanchez follows closely behind with a 3.24 ERA. The two faced off just last Sunday in a classic pitcher’s duel, each allowing only one run in a tightly contested 2-1 walk-off victory for the Phillies. Fans can expect another thrilling battle on the mound as both pitchers look to lead their teams to victory.
How to Watch the Game
For those eager to catch the action, the Mets vs. Phillies game will not be available on national television. Instead, it will be streamed exclusively on Apple TV+, the home of ‘Friday Night Baseball.’ Apple TV+ currently offers a seven-day free trial, making it easy for fans to tune in without commitment. The service is compatible with various devices, including Roku, smart TVs, and Amazon Fire TV sticks, ensuring that viewers can enjoy the game from the comfort of their homes.
Game Details
- Date: Friday, September 20
- Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
- Location: Citi Field, Queens, New York
Listen Live
For those who prefer to listen to the game, it will be broadcast live on SiriusXM channel 181. SiriusXM offers a range of sports programming, including live coverage of MLB games, making it a great option for fans on the go. New subscribers can take advantage of a special offer to get three months of SiriusXM for just $1, providing access to a wealth of sports content.
As the Mets and Phillies prepare to clash in this high-stakes matchup, fans are in for a treat. With playoff implications on the line and both teams eager to assert their dominance, Friday night promises to deliver an unforgettable showdown.