MLB Game Preview: Philadelphia Phillies (76-56) vs. New York Mets (71-61)

Game Details

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.

Pitching Matchup

The Mets will hand the ball to right-hander Nolan McLean (2–0, 1.46 ERA, .146 opponents’ average, 10.9 K/9), who has averaged 6.1 innings over his two starts and is seeking his third straight outing of at least five frames. Opposing him for Philadelphia is veteran Taijuan Walker (4–6, 3.44 ERA, 70 strikeouts in 96⅔ innings), who makes his 17th start aiming to rebound from a recent stretch of uneven results.

Team Overviews

New York’s lineup ranks fifth in MLB with 1,144 total hits, slugs .424 with 176 home runs, and posts a .325 on-base percentage. They’re also among the majors’ most patient clubs, striking out just eight times per game. Philadelphia counters with a .257 batting average, a .422 slugging mark, and 160 home runs, ranking 10th in each category. Both clubs boast potent offenses that thrive on extra-base power and limiting strikeouts.

Key Storylines

The Mets have jumped out to a 2–0 edge in the season series after Monday’s 13–3 rout, fueled by Luis Torrens’s five-RBI performance. New York has won 53 of 91 games this season as favorites, while Philadelphia has snapped off two wins in its last four as underdogs. The 8.5-run total reflects the potent lineups on tap in this NL East showdown.

Players to Watch

• Nolan McLean (NYM): A rising rookie with swing-and-miss stuff, averaging 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings while limiting opponents to a .146 batting average.
• Taijuan Walker (PHI): A veteran starter with a 3.44 ERA who flashes quality stuff but has battled consistency issues in his last four outings.
• Luis Torrens (NYM): Follow his hot bat from Monday’s opener, where he went 3-for-5 with a homer and five RBIs, providing protection in the middle of New York’s order.

Betting Outlook

New York games have gone over in 60 of 131 opportunities and Philadelphia in 55 of 131. Against the run line, the Mets are 61–70–0 and the Phillies are 66–65–0 this season.

Expect New York’s power-packed lineup to strike early against Walker, while McLean’s command should keep Philadelphia off balance. Target the Mets to extend their season-series lead.