Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets Preview: Phillies Bid for Sweep and Potential Share of NL East Lead

The Philadelphia Phillies were expected to be behind the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets in the NL East. But as we enter the final two weeks of the regular season, the Phillies have the NL East title in their sights. And if things play out as they could today, they could find themselves tied atop the NL East with the Braves. Only just a few days ago, MLB betting odds had the Phillies at +440 to win the NL East. But after trimming the Braves’ lead to just one game, their odds are now at +120.

Tonight the Phillies go for the road sweep of the New York Mets, and with the way the first two games have gone, that result looks likely. And with the way that the Braves have struggled to generate offense in San Francisco, it looks equally likely that the Braves will be swept by the Giants. If those results play out, it will represent quite the turnaround in fortunes for the Braves and Phillies in the span of just a week.

The Mets seemed destined for the NL East title at the All-Star break, but at this point, they only have pride to play for. That is, unless they win their final 13 games, which is not happening. But the Mets can slow the Phillies’ first-place charge with a win in tonight’s series finale. Will they avoid the sweep, or will the Phillies wrap up a huge week with a fifth straight win?

Philadelphia Phillies (76-72) vs New York Mets (72-77), ESPN, 7:00 p.m. ET

Probable Pitchers

• Philadelphia Phillies: Kyle Gibson (10-7, 3.49 ERA – 4-4, 4.85 with the Phillies)
• New York Mets: Rich Hill (6-7, 3.88 ERA – 0-3, 3.88 ERA with the Mets)

Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets MLB Betting Odds

Moneyline

• Philadelphia Phillies +108
• New York Mets -126

Total

• OVER 8.5 (-106)
• UNDER 8.5 (-114)

Run Line

• Philadelphia Phillies +1.5 (-188)
• New York Mets -1.5 (+155)

Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 3:50 p.m. ET. Want to see betting odds from several top online sportsbooks for the day’s other MLB matchups? Check out our MLB odds.

Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets MLB Betting Consensus

Moneyline

• 75% Philadelphia Phillies
• 25% New York Mets

Total (at O/U 8.5)

• 50% OVER 8.5
• 50% UNDER 8.5

Run Line (at +/-1.5)

• 100% Philadelphia Phillies
• 0% New York Mets

Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets Matchup: MLB Betting Picks, Odds, Stats and More

Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets Betting Outlook

Phillies Peaking at the Right Time in Bid to Overhaul Braves

If the Phillies can end tonight tied for the first place in the NL East, you have to love their chances of taking control of the division from here. The Braves are in the midst of a 10-game road swing that will take them to Arizona and San Diego after they leave San Francisco, while the Phillies host the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates this week.

But first, they must finish off the Mets at Citi Field. After edging the Mets 4-3 on Friday night, they secured the series win last night with a 5-3 win. It was their fourth straight win overall and their sixth straight win over the Mets. They are trending up at the right time, but they are up against it tonight. The Phillies have all of two road sweeps this season, and both are against the Washington Nationals.

But this is a prime opportunity to add to that list, as the Mets have fully frittered away any fuzzy feelings that were there after last weekend’s Subway Series success against the Yankees. The Mets were swept at home by the Cardinals in midweek action and are now staring at a winless week.

Can the Mets Muster Some Offense in a Favorable Matchup?

As has been the case throughout the season, production at the plate has been an issue for the Mets in this series. They have not led at any point in the series so far. Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola have pitched well enough and left with leads, and the bullpen sealed the deal with the help of some late runs in both games.

If there is a favorable situation to generate a little something at the plate, it is tonight with Gibson on the mound. He has struggled in September, going 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in three starts. Since starting the season 6-0 with a 2.00 ERA in his first 15 starts, Gibson is 4-7 with a 5.28 ERA in his last 13 appearances. Since being acquired from the Texas Rangers, Gibson is 4-4 with a 4.85 ERA in nine appearances (eight starts) for the Phillies.

If the Mets can generate some offense against Gibson, they need Hill to back it up. He has yet to win since joining the Mets, but it isn’t because he hasn’t pitched well enough to earn at least a win or two. In three September starts, he has a 2.12 ERA. He didn’t pitch long enough to get a quality start in his last outing, but the quality starts he had in his two previous September starts were his first quality starts since May.

MLB Betting Trends to Consider for Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets

• The Phillies are 21-22 as a road underdog this season.
• The Mets are 35-20 as a home favorite this season.
• The Phillies are 34-41 this season after winning their previous game.
• The Phillies edge out the Braves for the NL East’s best record in division games. They are are 40-29 in division games, while the Braves are 40-30. The Mets are 34-34 against their division rivals.

Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets Best Bets

Philadelphia Phillies ML

While Gibson hasn’t exactly been turning in stellar performances this month, it is equally as tough to oppose the Phillies as it is to back the Mets at the moment.

The Mets have done nothing in the last two games to really inspire any confidence that they could take advantage of Gibson’s current form, and they are not the least bit attractive as a favorite tonight.

Perhaps they will shake off a rough week and trip the Phillies up, but based on where both teams are at the moment, the Phillies are fantastic (or is that phantastic?) value tonight as an underdog chasing a sweep–and perhaps a share of the NL East lead as well.