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After a 3-1 series win in Washington, the Mets start their second series of the year with a three-game set in Philadelphia against the Phillies. The bats came alive in the series against the Nationals, and the pitching was as advertised, leading the Mets to their three victories. Even though they faltered in game four, the series was solid for the Mets.

The Mets new acquisitions led the way for the first three games in Washington. Despite an injured hamstring, Max Scherzer pitched well in game two, and Chris Bassitt was electric in his game three start. Starling Marte had three hits and four RBIs in his three games, Mark Canha has a blistering .700/1.469/.700 stat line to start the season, and Eduardo Escobar hit three doubles in 11 at bats. The Mets also got production from players who underachieved last year, with the biggest improvement so far coming from Jeff McNeil, who again looks like the high average contact hitter he was in 2019. Finally, Tylor Megill pitched phenomenally in his first-ever opening day start, taking over for the injured Jacob deGrom.

The Phillies are also coming off a series win. They went two for three against the Athletics in Philly. During the offseason, the Phillies prioritized strengthening their lineup, adding Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos to an already strong group of hitters, including reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper and star catcher J.T. Realmuto. While Schwarber and Castellanos have not been scorching hot at the plate, they both homered for the Phillies in the first series. It can be argued, though, that they have subtracted the same on defense for all the Phillies have added on offense. The Phillies made three errors in their first two games, although the scorer charged two of those to Realmuto, who should be one of the better defensive Phillies this season.

The Phillies and Mets faced less than stellar opponents in their opening series. The Nationals and the Athletics are in rebuilds, and the Athletics have an almost criminally low payroll. It will be interesting to see how the Mets and Phillies fare in their first real challenge of the young season.

Monday, April 11, 2022: RHP Taijuan Walker (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. LHP Ranger Suárez

(0-0, 0.00 ERA)

A sore knee shortened Taijuan Walker’s final spring training start. But after a 45 pitch bullpen on Friday, Walker pronounced himself ready for his start against the Phillies on Monday. Walker had an excellent first half in 2021, earning his first trip to the All-Star Game with a 2.66 ERA in 94 and 1/3 innings. However, he faltered in the second half, finishing with a 4.47 ERA. Hopefully, we see the Taijuan from the first half in the first game of this series.

Ranger Suarez was excellent for the Phillies last season, going 8-5 with a 1.36 ERA and a 2.72 FIP. Suarez arrived late for spring training this year due to visa issues in Venezuela. He pitched in two spring games for the Phillies for five and two-thirds innings, giving up two hits, including a home run and two earned runs. While the Mets did not have a great lineup against lefties in 2021, they did well against Patrick Corbin on opening day and will hopefully carry that over against Suarez.

Tuesday, April 12, 2022: RHP Tylor Megill (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. RHP Zack Wheeler (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Stepping in for Jacob deGrom on opening day, Tylor Megill pitched phenomenally for his first start of the season. He hit 99mph at times on the radar gun, which was a first for him, and tossed five scoreless innings. If he can hold down the Phillies lineup the same way he held down the Nationals, look for him to have a great 2022 season.

Zack Wheeler is getting a slightly late start to his 2022 season. He came into spring training a bit behind the other Phillies’ pitchers due to a sore shoulder from his workload last season when he threw a career-high 213 and 1/3 innings. He pitched to a career-low 2.78 ERA and finished second in the Cy Young Award. So for the Mets hitters’ sake, it might be good if Wheeler is a little rusty to start 2022.

Wednesday, April 13, 2022: RHP Max Scherzer (1-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. RHP Aaron Nola (1-0, 6.00 ERA)

Max Scherzer pitched six innings for the Mets on Friday against the Nationals. Even though he did not have his best stuff, Scherzer battled and only gave up three runs in his six innings. The offense helped him out, tying the game in the third inning, taking the lead for good in the fifth inning, and adding to that lead in the sixth and ninth innings. If Scherzer’s leg feels better on Wednesday, look out Philly lineup.

Aaron Nola got the opening day nod for the Phillies. He pitched six innings and gave up four runs on four hits, including two home runs. In 2021, Nola posted his worst ERA since 2016. However, Nola has been a better pitcher at home than he has been on the road for the Phillies in his career. His ERA in 86 games at Citizen’s Bank Park is 3.15; in 86 games on the road, his ERA is 4.27. Hopefully, Nola is not up to his usual home pitching against the Mets on Wednesday.

Prediction:

After going 3-1 against the Nationals, the Mets will keep the good times rolling against the Phillies. The Phillies lineup will challenge the pitching, especially the bullpen. But if the Mets keep putting the ball in the play as they did for most of the series against the Nationals, they should be able to take advantage of the Phillies’ weaker defense. These two teams are both trying to compete in 2022,  but if all goes well, the Mets should be able to take the series from the Phillies and win two of the three games.