Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 5/29/2022

Time: 7:08 p.m. ET

Venue: Citi Field, Flushing, NY

Where to watch: ESPN 2

DraftKings: NL

BetMGM: NL

Caesars: NL

Phillies: 21-26

Mets: 31-17

At least we can look at these last two games from the New York Mets and not think the sky is falling during their weekend series against the Philadelphia Phillies. At least we can say that instead of the San Francisco Giants, who are one loss away from being swept by the Cincinnati Reds after winning two of three against the Mets.

But of course, it's been the Philadelphia Phillies that have felt the wrath of the Mets this weekend, which doesn't come as a big surprise because the Phillies are just not that good this year. 

The Mets will have a chance to sweep the Phillies on Sunday at home and further widen the lead in the National League East that's been dominated by the Mets to this point.

New York got a combined six RBI from Jeff McNeil (who needs to get some All-Star love sooner rather than later, because he deserves it) and Francisco Lindor. At the very least, the Mets have ensured a fourth straight series victroy over the Phillies, which seems weird considering once upon a time, it was the Phillies dominating this series.

“It’s like nobody’s trying to be the hero,” Lindor said. “Everybody’s just focusing on what’s in front of their toes at that moment. If that person doesn’t get it done, the person behind them will get it done.”

McNeil hit a three-run homer to give the Mets the lead for good.

“I’m really not trying to do anything exciting or special,” McNeil said. “I’m just trying, basically, to not strike out.”

And we can't forget about Pete Alonso, who has a franchise record 29 RBI in the month of May alone. He's five away from tying Gary Carter's mark for most in a month in general. This is the kind of life the Mets are living right now.

The shot in the arm that manager Buck Showalter has given this group is truly incredible when you sit back and watch how the Mets have just been having fun more than any team in the league right now. The Mets are the best team in the National League right now, which still seems wild. But the fact they may have the perfect combination to make things happen is a sight to see. And don't forget: Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom are on the IL and could return within a month. Keep this up with this group, and things have to look good in Citi Field.

What more do we need to say about the Phillies? They continue to be an utter disappointment and are somehow not leading this division with the group they have at their disposal.

“You never want to lose nine out of 13 and lose a series that we are playing right now,” said Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper, who had two hits in the game. “I hate when people say, 'It’s early.' I don’t like that because you have to play. … We have to keep going. We have to keep plugging along. We have to keep pounding forward, come in tomorrow and be ready to go. Nobody feels bad for us. We can’t feel bad for ourselves.”

They can't feel bad for themselves, but they can feel bad at how bad they've been. Harper put it best: losing nine of 13 and already losing a series to a team that looks like a World Series contender. There's just no reason to think the Phillies need to be in any legit conversation right now.

There's not much to this one. The Phillies are shellshocked and the Mets are the much better team. Give me Chris Bassitt throwing a gem on Sunday Night Baseball, because law dictates that to be the requirement. Mets win 8-3

Phillies are 29-41 as a road underdog the past three seasons.

Phillies are 13-19 against right-handed starters this season.

Mets are 24-9 against right-handed starters this season.

Mets are 12-6 as a home favorite this season and 61-38 the past three seasons.

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

Mets:
Luis Guillorme (L) 2B
Starling Marte (R) RF
Francisco Lindor (S) SS
Pete Alonso (R) 1B
Jeff McNeil (L) LF
Eduardo Escobar (S) 3B
Mark Canha (R) CF
Dominic Smith (L) DH
Patrick Mazeika (L) C
SP - Chris Bassitt

Batting average: Bryce Harper -- .317

Hits: Bryce Harper -- 53

Home runs: Two tied -- 10

RBI: Bryce Harper -- 32

Wins: Ranger Suarez -- 4

Saves: Corey Knebel -- 8

ERA: Aaron Nola -- 3.56

Batting average: Jeff McNeil -- .319

Hits: Two tied -- 52

Home runs: Pete Alonso -- 12

RBI: Pete Alonso -- 46

Wins: Two tied -- 5

Saves: Edwin Diaz -- 11

ERA: Max Scherzer -- 2.54