Mets Near Championship Dream with Emphatic Win Over Phillies
The New York Mets showcased their strength and resolve in Game 3 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) with an impressive 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. With this triumph, the Mets now sit tantalizingly close to a spot in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) for the first time since 2015, leading the series 2-1.
At the heart of this victory was a noteworthy performance by Sean Manaea, who held the Phillies to a solitary run over a commanding seven innings. Manaea struck out six batters, silencing the critics who may have been wary of his previous postseason outings. Entering the game with a daunting 15.26 ERA across three prior playoff appearances, Manaea delivered what could be described as a career-defining performance under immense pressure.
Carlos Mendoza, a trusted voice in the Mets camp, praised Manaea’s tenacity and strategic execution on the mound. "He didn't back down from contact. He didn't back away. We know they are an aggressive lineup and they showed it right away," Mendoza observed. "He had really good rhythm and he went right after. He trusted his stuff. He trusted the game plan and he didn't back away from it."
Sean Manaea’s metamorphosis this season can largely be attributed to a critical adjustment in his arm slot, akin to the renowned pitching style of Chris Sale. This adjustment, coupled with Manaea’s mental fortitude, is arguably what allowed him to dominate against a potent Phillies lineup, restricting them to just three runs in his last 12 innings of postseason play.
The emotional weight of this game wasn’t lost on Manaea, who dedicated his stellar performance to his Aunt Mabel, who tragically passed away earlier in the day. Demonstrating remarkable composure, Manaea remarked simply, "That game was for her."
Underpinning Manaea’s efforts was a relentless Mets offense that consistently pressured the Phillies’ pitching staff, much to the delight of a roaring home crowd. Despite an inherited runner crossing home plate due to the bullpen’s brief lapse, the Mets maintained a sturdy lead throughout the contest, repelling any comeback efforts from the Phillies.
While Manaea’s pitching prowess was on full display, it was also the depth of his pitch variety that left an indelible impression. Mendoza noted, "I liked how he used all of his pitches, especially the changeup. And when he needed to make pitches, he did an unbelievable job, and like I said, he was on the attack." Acknowledging Manaea’s dedicated approach this season, he added, "There was something different about him today that I'm just proud of him."
The veteran left-hander, now 32, finds himself at a career crossroads. Expected to opt out of his $13.5 million salary for 2025, Manaea may soon explore the burgeoning possibilities of free agency. However, his immediate focus remains firmly on propelling the Mets further into the postseason, bolstered by the knowledge that he has risen to the occasion at a critical juncture.
In the grand narrative of baseball, individual performances can often steer the course of history. With Sean Manaea’s masterclass in pitching, the Mets are on the brink of a significant achievement, perhaps invoking echoes of their glory days eight years ago. As both teams prepare to clash once more, the Mets, imbued with renewed determination, have set their sights on closing out this series and marching into the history books as a formidable contender in the 2023 NLCS.