- What: MLB Divisional Series Playoff Game
- When: Tuesday, October 8th
- Who: Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets
- Time: 2:08 p.m. PST
- Where: Citi Field (Queens, NY)
The New York Mets will host the Philadelphia Phillies in the third game of the National League Division Series. It will be their first home playoff game of the postseason.
This series is as evenly matched as I can remember. They’ve faced each other nine times since September 13, with the Mets winning five and the Phillies winning four.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies will be sending out ace Aaron Nola to the mound today. Despite the recent struggles, the Phillies can find comfort in Nola’s outstanding performance earlier this year at Citi Field.
On May 14, he pitched a complete game shutout, conceding only four hits and zero walks while striking out eight batters.
Ready. Set. Geaux.#RedOctober pic.twitter.com/TsAD9uUtZE
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 8, 2024
Nola has a strong track record in the postseason, boasting a remarkable 2.35 ERA over his last four playoff starts. During these appearances, he limited opposing batters to a mere .214 batting average and amassed 23 strikeouts across 23 innings.
The Phillies were fifth in the majors in runs scored this year, ranking fifth in batting average and fifth in on-base percentage. Their lineup is not as good on the road as at home. However, they could have the momentum after the last game’s exciting walk-off win.
New York Mets
The Mets are playing their first game at home in nearly two weeks. The crowd at Citi Field should be a factor and help them win.
The Mets will be sending Sean Manaea to the mound today. His last outing against the Brewers was the first time the Mets lost in his starts in over a month.
In his last outing against the Phillies less than three weeks ago, Manaea allowed three runs in seven innings in a 12-5 victory. He went 1-1 against the Phillies this season in three starts.
Home for Game 3. #LGM pic.twitter.com/HyaarLhmCi
— x – New York Mets (@Mets) October 8, 2024
The Mets wrapped up the regular season ranking seventh in the majors in runs scored while also placing 12th in batting average and eighth in on-base percentage.
They have scored 11 runs in the past three games in the 8th inning or later. Given the shaky Phillies bullpen, the Mets should have the advantage in this one.
Phillies-Mets Best Bet
This game has been very difficult to figure out. Both these teams are very similar and the way they win is also similar. They both have come through in late-game situations often.
There really isn’t any advantage on targeting the total or the moneyline, every side is -110 odds. Whether you like the moneyline or the total it will be identical odds. That’s the first time I can remember seeing that in a playoff game.
The total is my best bet in this one. I’ve struggled picking a side, but ultimately, I believe we are in for a pitcher’s duel, leading me to the Under.
Under 7 runs at -110 is the best bet in this one.
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
