Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 5/1/2022

Time: 7:08 p.m. ET

Venue: Citi Field, Flushing, NY

Where to watch: ESPN

DraftKings: Mets -170, Phillies +150

BetMGM: Mets -185, Phillies +150

Caesars: Mets -179, Phillies +160

Phillies: 11-11

Mets: 15-7

When the New York Mets threw their combined no-hitter on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies, the first thing that came to mind was Johan Santana. Because that’s who threw the last, and only, no hitter in Mets history before this collective hitless wonder.

Which made me think of two things: One, the Mets have not had a lot of no-hitters in their time, which reminds you just how long the Mets have been around. And two, Johan Santana was a member of the Mets timeline that was supposed to carry them into World Series contention once upon a time.

But, for what it’s worth, the Mets’ pitching staff is looking like the group that Santana was once a part of: Dominant and leading the charge for the Mets’ start, going nine games above .500 and leading comfortably in the NL East while the Phillies – as evidence of going completely hitless on Friday night – are struggling and are somehow having trouble hitting the ball.

The Mets and Phillies will complete their series Sunday at Citi Field, where the Mets have gotten off to a 6-2 start this season.

“How often do you see a no-hitter?” said first baseman Pete Alonso, who contributed a solo homer to the victory. “It’s like seeing a white buffalo or a unicorn.”

The Mets’ 3-0 victory on Friday is just another sign of how far these teams are from the ledger when it pertains to who is actually going to be a good team this season. It’s not the ultimate decider in how the season is ultimately going to go, but one thing we can certainly determine is that the division through the first month is going through the Mets, and absolutely not the Phillies like many expected. I think the Phillies expected the bats they’ve added to be difference makers in a huge way, but here we are looking at the Phillies starting 2-6 on the road and just not looking great.

Alonso homered in that game, and Jeff McNeil drove in the other two RBI as the Mets got 10 hits off the Phillies, including seven off starter Aaron Nola, while Tylor Megill got the win in five innings of work while striking out five.

“It’s something that [will] be in history forever,” said James McCann, who caught all nine innings. “Whether it’s one pitcher or five pitchers, it’s a no-hitter. It’s just special.”

But it’s just crazy to look at the Phillies – between Bryce Harper, Nick Castellanos, Kyle Schwarber, among others – and see how they just completely folded under the New York lights. And I would normally say wait until the Phillies get them back in Philly, but the Mets also dominated them not too long ago with destroying baseballs at Citizens Bank Park.

“Forget it,” Castellanos said Friday. “That’s the best way to bounce back. What are you going to learn from getting no-hit? You just forget it. Short-term memory. Have a good dinner, enjoy the night in New York City, get ready to play tomorrow.”

The Phillies did respond with a 4-1 win over the Mets on Saturday, but will now have to find a way to contend against Max Scherzer, who has won his first three starts as a member of the Mets.

For that reason alone, I’m taking the Mets. You really think I’m betting against a red-hot Scherzer? Doesn’t matter who the opponent is. That’s one guy you don’t want to face no matter the situation. Mets win 5-2

Phillies are 24-36 as a road dog the last three seasons.

Phillies are 48-71 the past three seasons on the road.

Mets are 66-53 at home the past three seasons.

Phillies:
Jean Segura (R) 2B
Rhys Hoskins (R) 1B
Bryce Harper (L) DH
Nick Castellanos (R) RF
J.T. Realmuto (R) C
Kyle Schwarber (L) LF
Alec Bohm (R) 3B
Didi Gregorius (L) SS
Odubel Herrera (L) CF
SP - Zach Effin

Mets:
Brandon Nimmo (L) CF
Starling Marte (R) RF
Francisco Lindor (S) SS
Pete Alonso (R) 1B
Eduardo Escobar (S) 3B
Jeff McNeil (L) 2B
Mark Canha (R) LF
Dominic Smith (L) DH
James McCann (R) C
SP - Max Scherzer

Batting average: Nick Castellanos - .300

Hits: Nick Castellanos -- 24

Home runs: Kyle Schwarber -- 5

RBI: Two tied -- 12

Wins: Two tied -- 2

Saves: Corey Knebel -- 4

ERA: Kyle Gibson -- 2.93

Batting average: Jeff McNeil -- .328

Hits: Francisco Lindor -- 24

Home runs: Two tied -- 4

RBI: Pete Alonso -- 17

Wins: Tylor Megill -- 4

Saves: Edwin Diaz -- 4

ERA: Max Scherzer -- 1.80