8/30/19 Game Preview: New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies

The New York Mets (67-66) are officially in a full-fledged crisis. After fighting their way back into the wild card race, the Mets have fallen back to earth by dropping six straight games. As a result, the Mets are now five out of the second wild card spot and have fallen behind several teams in the hunt once again. In order to stay alive, the Mets will need to get back on track and snap their losing streak as they begin a six-game road trip tonight in the city of brotherly love. First pitch for the opener of a weekend set with the Philadelphia Phillies (69-63) is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Citizen’s Bank Park.

The Mets will send right hander Zack Wheeler (9-7, 4.46 ERA) to the mound today. Wheeler struggled mightily in his last start, giving up five runs in six innings against the Atlanta Braves last Saturday, but was not a factor in the decision. The Mets ended up losing that game 9-5. The Phillies will counter with their ace, righty Aaron Nola (12-4, 3.53 ERA). Nola pitched well against the Miami Marlins on Sunday, giving up three runs in seven innings of work, but was stuck with a tough luck loss.

Local Coverage:

Television: SNY

Radio: WCBS

New York Mets Lineup:

We kick off a weekend series in Philly. #LGM

⌚️ 👉 7:05 p.m.
💪 👉 @Wheelerpro45
👀 👉 @SNYtv
👂 👉 @wcbs880, @ESPNDep1050AM
💻 👉 https://t.co/crVo07RLBi pic.twitter.com/Yhq36ZKZe1

— New York Mets (@Mets) August 30, 2019

Pre-Game Notes:

• The Mets are 4-9 against the Phillies so far this season, including a 1-6 record at Citizen’s Bank Park.
• The Phillies swept a four game series from the Mets at Citizens’s Bank Park when the teams last met in late June.
• Wheeler is 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA in four starts against the Phillies this season.
• Nola is 1-0 with a 3.06 ERA in three starts against the Mets in 2019.
• Cesar Hernandez is 9 for 23 with a homer and two RBI’s in his career against Wheeler.
• Jeff McNeil is 5 for 16 with a double and two RBI’s against Nola.
• Wilson Ramos will get the day off today. Rene Rivera will catch and bat eighth.