Aaron Nola
The first postseason clash between the archrival Mets and Phillies has delivered all the drama expected through two games. After splitting a pair of memorable contests at Citizens Bank Park, the National League Division Series now shifts to a charged atmosphere at Citi Field for Game 3 on Tuesday night.

“Obviously, you want to go 2-0 at home, but being able to go 1-1 going into New York … I imagine it's going to be pretty hostile there—and a lot of fun,” Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper said. “So I'm really looking forward to that.”

The spotlight now turns to Aaron Nola, who posted a 14-8 record and a 3.57 ERA in the regular season. He’ll aim to replicate his dominant May 14 performance at Citi Field, where he pitched a shutout in his best outing of the year. Over his last 12 starts there dating back to 2018, Nola has crafted a 2.49 ERA. But the postseason has shown two sides of Nola—he's been lights out early, with a 0.71 ERA in four starts across the first two rounds, but has faltered deeper, posting a 6.94 ERA in five NLCS and World Series starts. 

Manager Rob Thomson structured the rotation to capitalize on Nola’s success at Citi Field, where he’s 6-6 with a 3.28 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP in 14 career starts.

The Mets will counter with left-hander Sean Manaea, who went 12-6 with a 3.47 ERA this season. Since adjusting his mechanics in July, Manaea has been nearly untouchable, closing out the regular season with a 6-2 record and a 3.09 ERA over his final 12 starts. He limited the Brewers to two runs over five innings in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series, showing poise in a high-pressure spot. However, he struggled against the Phillies in the regular season, surrendering 10 runs over 16 2/3 innings in three starts—though most of that damage came in one rough outing in June. His other two starts were solid.

The Phillies' dramatic comeback win in Game 2 on Sunday also put a spotlight on their bullpen issues. Through two games, the relief corps has allowed 10 runs on 13 hits—including three home runs—and issued two walks in just six innings, equating to a 15.00 ERA. The Mets have teed off, hitting .448 against Phillies relievers. It’s a shocking turn, given the bullpen’s dominance in the past two postseasons and the belief that this year’s unit is the strongest yet.

Matt Strahm, who gave up two runs in each of the first two games, had not allowed runs in back-to-back outings all season and surrendered only two runs combined over August and September. “I’ve been a reliever a long time,” Strahm said. “You’ve got to forget them as quickly as you can and move on.” 

Nola echoed that confidence, expressing faith in the bullpen. “They’ve been so good all year,” he said, previously calling it the best bullpen he’s ever had behind him. “Every time I come out of a game, or any of the guys come out of a game, we feel confident with those guys coming in and shutting the door.”

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post
Philadelphia Baseball Review - Phillies News, Rumors and Analysis