Mets Edge Closer to NLCS with Resounding Victory
In a commanding performance that brought them one step closer to a National League Championship Series (NLCS) berth for the first time since 2015, the New York Mets defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 7-2 in Game 3 of the National League Division Series (NLDS). With this victory, the Mets now lead the series 2-1, sitting poised to advance with just one more win.
The story of this game was, undoubtedly, Mets’ pitcher Sean Manaea, whose exceptional effort was instrumental in stifling the Phillies' offense. Manaea, who has historically struggled in postseason appearances with a daunting 15.26 ERA across three prior games, flipped the narrative by holding Philadelphia to a single run across seven robust innings. He displayed his dominance with six strikeouts, effectively nullifying the threat from an aggressive Phillies lineup.
"He didn’t back down from contact. He didn’t back away," Mets bench coach Carlos Mendoza remarked on Manaea’s performance. "We know they are an aggressive lineup, and they showed it right away. They were attacking him but he kept getting the baseball. 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."
Manaea’s transformation can be attributed to a midseason adjustment in his arm slot, drawing comparisons to the mechanics of Chris Sale. This adjustment appeared to play a pivotal role not just in Manaea’s turn-around this postseason—a stint in which he has allowed only three runs in 12 innings—but also in boosting his confidence on the mound.
Mendoza further lauded Manaea for his composure and pitch selection, stating, "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. It was a different look today, even though we’ve seen it the whole year, but his mound presence, his demeanor, like there was something different about him today that I’m just proud of him."
While Manaea was the standout performer, the Mets’ offense also deserves credit for consistently pressuring the Phillies’ pitching staff, resulting in a well-rounded win. The Mets scored early and often, aiding in securing an advantageous position in the series. Despite the bullpen allowing an inherited runner to score, the damage was minimal and did not detract from the overall team performance.
Off the field, this game was personal for Manaea. Before taking the mound, he learned of the passing of his Aunt Mabel, an emotional burden he carried throughout his dominant performance. "That game was for her," Manaea said, dedicating his stellar outing to his late aunt, marking the game with a personal triumph amid loss.
Looking ahead, Manaea, at 32, is expected to opt out of his $13.5 million salary for the 2025 season, potentially testing the free agency market. Given his transformative season and recent postseason success, attention will undoubtedly turn to how the Mets handle his contract situation.
As the Mets prepare to capitalize on the momentum of their latest victory, the team and its supporters are optimistic. With just one more win needed to secure a spot in the NLCS, the Mets are keenly aware that the decisive moment is within their grasp. For now, though, they will savor the triumph of a well-fought game and the promise of more milestones on the horizon.