The Phillies face important tests in the next nine games that they play starting this weekend. Seven of the nine games are against their division rival the New York Mets. Three of those seven games are in Gotham over the 1st weekend of the stretch. The four remaining games against the Mets are in Philadelphia during the second weekend of the novena.
These games are important for Philadelphia and New York because the battle for the East Division of the National League is between the Phillies, the Mets, and the World Series Champion Atlanta Braves. It is never too early to consider games against division rivals important. The victor in these contests gets a double benefit with each win: gaining a leg up while at the same pushing their adversary down a step in the race up the division ladder.
The Mets started the last week of April as the team with the most victories in the Mayors (13-5). They led MLB with the most Hits as a club (155) and were tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for first in the Big Leagues in runs scored by a team (86). New York pitchers led the Mayors in Strikeouts (183) and ranked second among the 30 clubs in several key categories: Opponent’s Batting Avg (.194); Quality Starts (7); Shutouts (3); and Walks Plus Hits Per Innings Pitched -WHIP (1).
Francisco Lindor led the Met’s offense. The Caguas, Puerto Rico, native led the team in Home Runs (4); Hits (20); Runs Scored (12) and Wins Above Replacement – WAR (1.2). The 28-year-old shortstop was second in the team in Doubles (4); Base on Balls (10); and Stolen Bases (3). The 8-year veteran was making up for a disappointing first season last year with the Mets after signing a 10-year $341 million contract with New York. Last year, Lindor started the season with a .182 average with one home run and three RBIs in his first 21 games.
The Met’s pitching was led by Max Scherzer. The 37-year-old right-handed starter led the team in wins (3-0) and strikeouts (33). The 15-year veteran and three-time Cy Young Award winner signed a three-year $130 Million contract, this winter, to join the Mets. Scherzer already notched a win against the Phillies earlier this season. He is expected to start two of the next seven games between the Phillies and Mets.
In contrast, the Phillies faced challenges during their first month of the season. They had a 7-10 record. Their batting average was sixth in the big leagues (.252) and they were third in doubles (34) in MLB but they were ninth in On Base Percentage (.319) and tied for tenth with Toronto in Runs Scored (72). The Phillies’ pitching was 24th among the 30 MLB clubs in ERA (4.56) and 21st in Opponents’ Batting Average (.235).
Philadelphia was also cobbled by injuries to two of their most important arms. Right Fielder and 2021 NL MVP Bryce Harper (.231, 3 HR, 13 RBI) has a sore right elbow and is relegated to a Designated Hitter role. Their ace, right-handed starter, Zack Wheeler (0-3, 8.53), has been plagued this year with soreness in his right shoulder.
It’s too early to anoint the seven games between the Mets and the Phillies in the next nine days a do or die event for Philadelphia. However, the only chance for the Phillies to capture the East Division is if it is a tough fight between three teams for the top spot. If the Phillies can secure more wins than loses against New York soon, Philadelphia’s quest may be possible.
Success against the Mets these next two weekends will also help to propel the Phillies to a productive start for their west coast trip. That jet lagged laden odyssey begins when they leave South Philly after the seventh game against the Mets. The Phillies fly to Seattle for three games and then to Los Angeles for three more.
“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” said Scottish housing rights activist Walter Elliot.
