New York Mets Poised for NLCS After Commanding Win Against Philadelphia Phillies
In an electrifying performance at the National League Division Series (NLDS), the New York Mets clinched a vital 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3. With this win, the Mets now lead the series 2-1, positioning themselves just one win away from their first National League Championship Series (NLCS) appearance since 2015.
Central to the Mets' triumph was an inspired performance by pitcher Sean Manaea, who demonstrated resilience and skill on the mound. Over seven innings, Manaea managed to hold the Phillies to just one run and struck out six players. This feat marked a significant turnaround for the 32-year-old pitcher, who entered the postseason with a 15.26 ERA across three prior appearances but has now conceded only three runs in 12 innings this postseason.
"He didn't back down from contact. He didn't back away," noted Mets coach Carlos Mendoza. "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 sense of trust and rhythm was palpable, as Manaea, who made a crucial midseason adjustment to his arm slot drawing comparisons to Chris Sale’s, executed an array of pitches with mastery. Mendoza further praised his performance: "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. It was a different look today, even though we've seen it the whole year, but his mound presence, his demeanor, like there was something different about him today that I'm just proud of him."
This game bore special significance for Manaea, who dedicated his performance to his Aunt Mabel, who had passed away earlier in the day. In a poignant tribute, Manaea stated, "That game was for her."
The Mets’ offense, meanwhile, kept the pressure firmly on the Phillies’ pitching staff throughout the contest. Their relentless approach created opportunities and capitalized on Philadelphia's weaknesses, building a lead that proved insurmountable.
The Mets’ bullpen, however, faced a minor setback by allowing an inherited runner to score. Despite this, the combined efforts on both offense and defense cemented a commanding win that propels them forward with momentum.
Looking ahead, Manaea appears poised to explore free agency, likely opting out of his $13.5 million salary for 2025. With performances like these, his stock is undoubtedly rising, making him an attractive prospect for teams in the hunt for experienced pitching talents.
As the Mets prepare for their next showdown, the combination of tactical acumen, top-tier individual performances, and a sense of collective purpose embodied by players like Manaea suggests that the franchise is on the cusp of something special. With just one more win needed to secure their spot in the NLCS, fans eagerly await what promises to be an enthralling continuation of the series.