Take a look at some great moments in the Mets-Phillies rivalry—from Jim Bunning’s perfect game on Father’s Day to New York’s huge collapse in the 2007 NL East race, and from both teams scoring over 20 runs against each other to a series held in London this season—and one thing stands out.
The Mets and Phillies have never played each other in the playoffs. In their 1,081 meetings since the Mets joined the National League in 1962, there have been many memorable moments.
Now, the excitement builds for the start of the best-of-five NL Division Series on Saturday in Philadelphia.
“It’s a tricky lineup and they’re hot right now,” said Zack Wheeler, who will start Game 1 for Philadelphia. “They’re playing good baseball.”
Pete Alonso powered the Mets with a three-run homer off Milwaukee closer Devin Williams in the ninth inning, securing a 4-2 victory over the Brewers in the final game of their NL Wild Card Series.
This ninth-inning rally added to New York’s Cinderella season. The Mets were 22-33 in late May but finished the regular season with the best record in baseball.
New York is the first team to clinch a postseason spot and a playoff series by winning both games after trailing in the ninth inning or later.
The NL East champion Phillies went 7-6 against the Mets this season, but there’s one important detail. The Phillies lost three of those games when Taijuan Walker was the starting pitcher. He has struggled and may not even make the postseason roster.
