The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets will wrap up a five game series on Sunday night. The two teams have split the first four games, which took place in Philadelphia. The two teams will now travel to Williamsport, Pennsylvania to compete in the second annual Little League Classic.
The New York Mets enter this game in fourth place in the National League East, and are all but eliminated from the playoffs in 2018. The Phillies meanwhile hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League, but have their sights set on the National League East. The Phillies are within two games of the Atlanta Braves. The Philadelphia Phillies are -180 over the New York Mets on Sunday Night.
Hoskins Leads Philly Offense
The Philadelphia Phillies have struggled to score runs in 2018, but Rhys Hoskins has been the one consistent offensive threat. Hoskins leads the Phillies with 25 home runs and 77 runs batted in. The young outfielder is proving to be one of the best sluggers in the National League. Hoskins will try to do some damage on Sunday night in Williamsport.
The Phillies feature a terrific pitching staff in 2018, but their starter on Sunday night hasn’t performed well. Nick Pivetta will make the start on Sunday, and he has had a very inconsistent season for the Phillies. The second year right hander has yet to face the New York Mets this season, but has a season earned run average of 4.37. The Phillies hope that Pivetta gives them a quality start on Sunday night.
Vargas Struggling For Mets
The New York Mets will counter by sending another struggling starter to the mound on Sunday night. Veteran right hander Jason Vargas will take the ball for the Mets on Sunday night. Vargas is 2-8 with a 8.10 earned run average through 13 starts this season with the Mets. If the Mets are going to win the series they will need a solid effort from Vargas on Sunday night.
The Mets have the worst team batting average in baseball entering play on Sunday night. New York has been without Yoenis Cespedes for much of the season, and no one has really stepped up in his absence. Brandon Nimmo has a .387 on base percentage in 2018 and has shown glimpses of being a solid MLB hitter in 2018.
Phillies Win Game, Series
The game on Sunday night should be a fun atmosphere for both teams. The New York Mets don’t have much to play for the rest of the season, but will take on the role of spoiler in the final six weeks. The Mets have been scoring runs of late and will look to continue this trend on Sunday night.
Philadelphia knows that they need to pile up wins against struggling teams, and Sunday night is an important game for them. The Phillies need Nick Pivetta to be sharp for them, and they also need to find some offense. Look for both things to happen on Sunday as the Phillies win the game and series against the Mets. Take the Philadelphia Phillies -180 over the New York Mets.
