Bartolo Colon (11-11, 4.65 ERA) and Jerad Eickhoff (1-1, 2.25 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the New York Mets (72-58) and the Philadelphia Phillies (52-79) at Citi Field. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 31 and can be seen on CSPh and SNY.
Colon pitched 1.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering zero runs and striking out two in a 3-1 defeat to the Red Sox. Lucas Duda (.247, 57 Rs, 21 HRs, 56 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI. Eickhoff went 6.0 innings, surrendering three runs (one unearned), striking out six and walking one in a 9-4 defeat to the Mets in his last outing.
This one isn’t expected to be close when New York, a substantial -210 favorite, takes on Philadelphia. According to the oddsmakers, the Over/Under (O/U) is currently seven runs. The Mets have recorded an overall money line of +1,076 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 56-21. New York is an impressive 7-2 as the favorite over its last 10 games. The Mets have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 8.3 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.1 runs per game. New York is one of the best in the NL in terms of walks at home, earning an average of 3.1 per game. Crossing over to the pitching staff, opposing offenses have been stifled by the Mets, who have a team ERA of only 3.36. The Mets are the top team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.17 so far this season.
In the other locker room, Philadelphia is coming in with an overall money line of -552 and a disappointing record of 47-72 as the underdog. They have played poorly as the underdog with an 18-29 record against teams in their division, and a 5-5 record SU. Offensively, the Phillies have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 3.8 runs per game by averaging 4.9 during that stretch. The Phillies average 5.1 runs allowed per game, but does better whenever another team from the NL East is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average down to 4.5 against division foes.
The Mets have controlled the season series, 12-1. The Mets have a 56-45 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Eickhoff takes the mound. Colon (RHP) will be on the hill against the Phillies, who have a 40-62 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – NYM, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, New York is 29-21, while Philadelphia is 26-38.
The Philadelphia batters brought in a solid 10 hits last game. New York has a record of 10-30 when their opponents get that many hits or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Phillies are 31-12. The Mets have a 52-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 26th in runs, Philadelphia has earned 501 this season. New York ranks 16th with 530 runs.
Ranking 28th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 306 this season. New York ranks in the top half at 12th with 377.
When the Mets hit at least one home run, they are 47-23. When the Phillies hit at least one homer, they have a 34-37 record.
