After splitting their doubleheader on Friday, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies play the third game of their weekend series. Both games finished with 2-1 scores and went to extra innings as the offense was minimal. Saturday afternoon’s game is scheduled for a 4:10 p.m. start if they avoid the rain.
Tonight’s starting pitcher…
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— New York Mets (@Mets) June 26, 2021
The Mets offense is in the middle of a horrible slump where they can barely put up runs on a nightly basis. Their seven-run outburst against the Atlanta Braves was a glimmer of hope that the offense would get going, but they have disappointed in the following games. Game one of the doubleheader saw Aaron Nola tie Tom Seaver’s record with ten consecutive strikeouts.
The Phillies’ offense was just as bad on Friday, but their bullpen almost allowed the Mets to take both games. They blew both saves and have a 4.41 ERA on the season, which has forced a closer change. Jose Alvarado was handed the job but failed in game one, and former closer Hector Neris recorded the save in game two. The five best relievers the Phillies use all pitched on Friday, which gives the Mets some leverage heading into today’s game.
Pitching Matchup
Jacob deGrom takes the mound looking to add to his historic season. In his last start, he threw five innings and struck out six on 70 pitches. deGrom has not thrown more than 90 pitches since April due to the Mets treating his workload very carefully. He should be in the 80-85 range if he is on top of his game like usual. deGrom is a notorious day game assassin with a 1.84 ERA in 62 starts, the best of all time.
Zach Eflin starts for the Phillies and is looking to rebound from a rough start against the San Francisco Giants. He allowed seven runs (six earned) on nine hits over five innings. Eflin has struggled against the Mets in 12 career starts, where he has a 5.00 ERA. Earlier this season, he pitched six innings, allowing ten hits but just two runs against the Mets.
Matchups To Look ForÂ
Zach Eflin vs. Michael Conforto: 10-for-29 (.345), 2 Doubles, 3 Home Runs, Walk, 5 Strikeouts
Jacob deGrom vs. J.T. Realmuto: 4-for-27 (.148), Double, 10 Strikeouts