CT’s Top 3: The Top Storylines for NLDS Game 3
There is a feeling of confidence for some in the fan base ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies’ game 3 NLDS matchup with the New York Mets. Some, though, is by no means all. As the series shifts up to New York, there are others in the fan base, myself included, that have some nerves popping up as 5:08 pm draws closer. We talked about it earlier today on Kincade And Salciunas.
Whatever you’re feeling about game 3, there is no denying that it’s a monster game for both teams. Here are my top 3 storylines for tonight’s pivotal matchup between the Phils and Mets:
1.) A pitching mismatch?
The Phillies will go with Aaron Nola in game 3 to face off against Sean Manaea, and the postseason track record of the two hurlers could not be more different. Nola boasts a 3.70 career postseason ERA, while Manaea is 0-3 in the playoffs in his career with a 10.66 ERA. He also has some pretty rough stats against current Phillies hitters… so is there a major pitching mismatch in this one? Certainly something to keep an eye on.
2.) Are the Mets tired, or relieved?
The Mets have been on an amazing run to even get to this point, surviving a hurricane-delayed double header, a wild card series in Milwaukee, and the first two games in Philly. It’s been a long time since they’ve been home. We saw what that did for the Phillies in 2022, who went through a similar path. Game 3 of the NLDS that year? The Rhys Hoskins bat spike game. So, are the Mets exhausted from the path, or relieved to be home? We’ll find out tonight.
3.) Alec Bohm returns to the lineup
After an all-star starter season for Alec Bohm, he was unceremoniously benched 1 game into the Phillies postseason run in the midst of an awful slump at the plate. He was inserted into game 2 for a pinch-hit opportunity, but he will be placed back into the lineup for tonight’s game 3 according to Rob Thomson. Can the Phillies finally get postseason production from the hot corner? It could be the difference in going up 2-1 or facing elimination on Wednesday.
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