David Buchanan (2-9, 7.96 ERA) and Bartolo Colon (14-12, 4.15 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies (59-97) and the New York Mets (89-67) at Citizens Bank Park. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Sep. 29 and can be seen on CSPh and SNY.
Buchanan pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one and striking out three in a 4-3 defeat to the Marlins. Jeff Francoeur (.260, 33 Rs, 13 HRs, 45 RBIs) had another good game Sunday, going 3 for 5 with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. Colon went 6.1 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out one and walking one in a 6-3 defeat to the Braves in his last outing. Yoenis Cespedes (.293, 100 Rs, 35 HRs, 105 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 5 Sunday.
The odds for Philadelphia and New York are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. Within its division, Philadelphia has a record of 26-44 SU. Philadelphia’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 3.4 runs per game, well under their season average of 5.0.
The Mets are 46-24 against teams in their division. Offensively, they average four runs per game on the road, which is the best in the NL. The Mets are tough outs for opponents, ranking fourth in the NL with 9.1 hits per road game. New York’s pitching staff is one of the top in the NL, with a 3.51 ERA. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Mets are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.19 for the season.
The Mets have controlled the season series, 14-2. The Phillies have a bad 45-76 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Colon takes the mound. Buchanan (RHP) will be on the hill against the Mets, who have a 71-52 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – NYM
Notes
Philadelphia has won 41% (30-43) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, New York has won 60% (38-25) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Mets are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Phillies have a 9-34 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Phillies are 36-16. The Mets have a 63-7 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 28th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 597 this season. New York ranks in the top half at 13th with 673.
Ranking 28th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 369 this season. New York ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 472.
The Phillies are 41-44 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Mets are 62-28 when they hit at least one homer.
