MMO Game Thread: Mets vs. Phillies, 4:05 PM

Wednesday, April 7, 2021 • 4:05 p.m.

Citizens Bank Park • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

LHP David Peterson (0-0) vs. RHP Aaron Nola (0-0, 2.70)

SNY • WCBS 880 AM

Today is the first rubber match game of the season!

The Mets play the rare mid-week, mid-afternoon getaway game (usually these games are at 1 PM) today as the Mets try to take this series from the Phillies. After melting down during the 8th inning on Monday night, the Mets came roaring back last night thanks to a great start by Marcus Stroman and four-run seventh inning.

Dominic Smith got the Mets started early, with a two-run homer and in the seventh inning, they got Vince Velasquez to post one of the more insane pitching lines in history: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 4 K. The big inning (plus an additional two-run shot by Pete Alonso in the ninth inning) ended up being critical as the Mets started to melt down again late, but they held on for the win!

Mets Lineup

Brandon Nimmo – CF
Francisco Lindor – SS
Michael Conforto – RF
Pete Alonso – 1B
Dominic Smith – LF
Jonathan Villar – 2B
James McCann – C
Luis Guillorme – 3B
David Peterson – P

Phillies Lineup

Andrew McCutchen – LF
Rhys Hoskins – 1B
Bryce Harper – RF
J.T. Realmuto – C
Alec Bohm – 3B
Didi Gregorius – SS
Jean Segura – 2B
Adam Haseley – CF
Aaron Nola – P

This afternoon it will be David Peterson on the hill, as he will look to pick up where he left off in his rookie season. In 10 games, 9 starts, Peterson pitched 49.2 innings with a 3.44 ERA, 4.52 FIP, 1.208 WHIP and a 127 ERA+.

He’s coming off a spring where he allowed five runs from 10 hits over 12 innings, leading to an ERA of 3.75 and a 1.083 WHIP. Peterson’s one game against the Phillies last year was not a good one as he allowed five runs from three hits and four walks over just two innings pitched.

The Mets get to face a long-time foe in Aaron Nola this afternoon, making his second start of the season. In his first start he allowed two runs over 6 2/3 innings from six hits and no walks, while striking out six.

Last year he pitched 71 2/3 innings over 12 starts (and two complete games) with a 3.28 ERA, 3.19 FIP, 1.079 WHIP and a 135 ERA+. Nola faced the Mets three times last year totaling 17 2/3 innings in which he allowed 11 runs (8 ER) from 16 hits and 8 walks, while striking out 25 batters. The Mets have the following numbers against Nola: