In a decisive Game 3 of the National League Division Series, the New York Mets delivered a commanding performance over rivals Philadelphia Phillies, securing a crucial 7-2 victory. With this win, the Mets now lead the series 2-1 and stand just one victory away from their first National League Championship Series (NLCS) appearance since 2015.
Sean Manaea's Masterclass
At the heart of this victory was Sean Manaea, whose stellar pitching shut down the aggressive Phillies lineup, allowing just one run across seven innings. Manaea, who struck out six batters during the game, displayed remarkable composure and skill. His effort comes as a testament to his significant midseason changes, notably adjusting his arm slot to mirror that of renowned pitcher Chris Sale.
Coming into this postseason with a 15.26 ERA over three previous appearances, Manaea has managed to turn the tables, conceding only three runs over 12 innings. His adaptability and determination were on full display, drawing praise from Carlos Mendoza, who commended Manaea’s approach: "He didn't back down from contact. He didn't back away. We know they are an aggressive lineup, and they showed it right away. They were attacking him but he kept getting the baseball. He had really good rhythm and he went right after. He trusted his stuff. He trusted the game plan, and he didn't back away from it."
A Personal Dedication
For Manaea, this game held personal significance. Earlier in the day, he learned of the passing of his Aunt Mabel, to whom he dedicated his performance. In his own words, Manaea expressed his motivation, stating simply, "That game was for her."
Offensive Dominance
The Mets’ offense was relentless, continuously applying pressure on the Phillies' pitching staff. This consistent offensive push was crucial in establishing their lead and maintaining the upper hand throughout the game. Despite the bullpen allowing an inherited runner to score, the Mets' advantage was never truly threatened.
Future Considerations
Following his standout game, the future looks interesting for the 32-year-old Manaea. Expected to opt out of his $13.5 million salary for 2025, he is likely to explore free agency, potentially prompting a strategic discussion for the Mets as they evaluate their roster for the upcoming seasons.
Reflecting on Manaea’s performance, Carlos Mendoza further highlighted his use of a diverse pitch arsenal, particularly the changeup, and his commanding presence on the mound: "I liked how he used all of his pitches, especially the changeup. And when he needed to make pitches, he did an unbelievable job, and like I said, he was on the attack. It was a different look today, even though we've seen it the whole year, but his mound presence, his demeanor, like there was something different about him today that I'm just proud of him."
As the Mets prepare for the next matchup, the momentum is certainly in their favor. Manaea’s performance, coupled with the team's offensive prowess, bodes well for their aspirations of advancing deeper into the postseason.