Mets look to play the spoiler this weekend against the Phils

Following an underwhelming series against the last place Marlins, the Phillies head north to Flushing Meadows to face off against the New York Mets (and maybe catch the tail end of the U.S. Open).

After dropping two of three games against the Fish, this becomes a must-win series if the Phils want to build any momentum heading into the stretch run. The club missed a golden opportunity to tighten the division race with Atlanta dropping three of four games this week. Heading into this weekend series the Phillies sit 3.5 games out of first place in the National League East.

Ace Aaron Nola looks to start the series tonight with an important win before the rest of the team has to face the Mets’ dynamic duo.  Noah Syndergaard will take the hill in game two and Cy Young front-runner Jacob deGrom pitches on Sunday.  They will oppose Zach Eflin and Vince Velasquez respectively.

Matchups

Game 1 – Friday at 7:10 pm 
Aaron Nola (15-4, 2.23 ERA, 2.76 FIP) vs. Steven Matz (5-11, 4.20 ERA, 4.60 FIP)
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Game 2 – Saturday at 7:10 pm
Zach Eflin (9-6, 4.05 ERA, 3.74 FIP) vs. Noah Syndergaard (10-3, 3.33 ERA, 2.50 FIP)
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Game 3 – Sunday at 1:10 pm
Vince Velasquez (9-10, 4.10 ERA, 3.62 FIP) vs. Jacob deGrom (8-8, 1.68 ERA, 2.08 FIP)
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Notes

• Phillies’ reliever Hector Neris was named one of the MLB relievers of the month. He had a 0.00 ERA with 20 strikeouts.
• Vince Velasquez road ERA (3.19) is lower then his home ERA (5.02.)
• Jacob deGrom is 3-5 with a 1.59 ERA in 14 starts at home this season.