Or else what, you say? Or else time will be running very, very thin. And I’m sure you’re reading this saying to yourself, “good one, Gallen. Like we don’t know the Phillies need to sweep.”
It’s easier said than done to sweep this Mets club. The Phillies are just 17-16 at Citi Field, despite being the better, more talented team since that stadium opened in 2009. Why is this the case?
For one, Scott Hairston has been a pain in the side for the Phils. The utility-man has a 1.184 OPS against the Phillies this season after annoying them to the tune of a .929 OPS last season. Just always seems the guy is on base, and only against the Phils.
Tonight’s starter R.A. Dickey sports a 2.94 ERA against the Phillies over eight starts (52 innings) in his career, so it’s safe to say they haven’t fully be able to figure out that knuckleball.That, plus Dickey is having a career year, making a late push for the NL Cy Young. Won’t be easy for the Phillies to get off on the right foot, although Cliff Lee has been hot recently, too.
As a team, the Mets have fallen off a cliff after a decent start to the season. But against the Phillies, the Mets still hit well, compiling a .278 average against their pitching.
The Phillies were warned not to sleep on the Astros, and they did, losing 3-of-4. They certainly can’t afford to do the same again in Queens, so they’ll have to sweep to stay within striking distance of the NL Wild Card. But, just like against Houston, that is easier said than done.
St. Louis is off tonight, so are the Dodgers, and the Brewers. You should be rooting for the Cubs to beat the Pirates, as the two teams play at Wrigley Field.
