Series Preview: Mets Face Brewers in Wild Card Series

Welcome back to postseason baseball Mets fans! After starting the season 0-5 and being 11 games under .500 in May, the team is now a part of the playoff field. Like so many of you, I cannot believe we are here. But, now that we are, let’s take a look at what is looming ahead.

The New York Mets will face off with the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Wild Card Series. Last weekend, these two teams met. The Brewers took two of three, winning the season series 5-1. Let’s take a look at everything in the buildup to this series.

WHAT’S THE STORY?

The Mets defied all odds by getting a big win against the Atlanta Braves on Monday, in Atlanta. It was simple. Win and you are in. But it looked like the fate of the Mets’ season was hanging by a thread. Down 3-0 in Game 1 of doubleheader, showing no signs of doing any damage against Spencer Schwellenbach. But a six-run eighth inning put the Mets ahead, including a two-run home run from Brandon Nimmo. But that lead wouldn’t last long. The Braves answered for four in the bottom of the inning, capped off by a bases-clearing double from Ozzie Albies. Within a matter of minutes, the fanbase went from the highest high to the lowest low.

How would the Mets respond? Well, you know what happens. Francisco Lindor, the Mets MVP candidate and their start shortstop produced one of the best moments in team history. A two-run home run in the top of the ninth gave the team a 8-7 lead, putting them three outs away from a postseason berth. Edwin Díaz came back out for the ninth after struggling in the previous inning. He worked around a single, earning the win and helping the Mets get back to the playoffs. That brings us to today.

PITCHING MATCHUPS

• Tuesday: Luis Severino (11-7, 3.91 ERA) vs. Freddy Peralta (11-9, 3.68 ERA): There has been plenty of discourse centered around Severino and his innings. But to his credit, he has been available and effective all season long. Severino pitched well in September, going 2-1 with a 3.64 ERA in five starts. Peralta has had the Mets’ number throughout his career. In a total of three appearances, the Brewers’ ace is 3-0 with 2.60 ERA against them. One positive for the Mets? Peralta has made 17 starts at home this season. His home ERA is 4.01 and he has allowed 18 home runs in those outings.
• Wednesday: TBD vs. TBD: Beyond Game 1, neither team has yet to announce a starter. For the Mets, the likeliest candidate is Sean Manaea. The left-hander last pitched on Friday against the Brewers, lining him up to be on normal rest. Manaea has pretty impressive numbers away from home. On the road, he is 6-3 with a 3.17 ERA in 16 starts. Brewers manager Pat Murphy said a bullpen game may be an option for Game 2. If they decide to take that route and use an opener, Tobias Myers could be the bulk guy. He threw four innings of relief against the Mets on Saturday, allowing just one hit and striking out five.
• Thursday: TBD vs. TBD: Same situation as Game 2. If the series goes to a third and final game, the Mets would probably go to José Quintana. The veteran would be on a normal rest but if needed, David Peterson could be used for two or three innings in relief. Quintana is high on confidence, pitching to a 0.74 ERA over his last 36 1/3 innings. For the Brewers, a few options are on the table. If they decide to go with a traditional starter, deadline acquisitions Frankie Montas or Aaron Civale could start. If not, another bullpen game is a possibility.

WHO’S HOT?

Francisco Lindor (NYM):

Did you expect me to pick anyone else? Lindor has not missed a beat since returning from the back injury. In his last four games, he is slashing .353/.421/.706/1.127 with two home runs, five runs batted in and two stolen bases. Not to mention that he had the biggest moment of the season on Monday against the Braves. The Mets will go as far Lindor takes them. It is as simple as that.

Jackson Chourio (MIL):

The 20-year-old rookie has had an impressive season and most importantly, he is going into the postseason filled with confidence. In September, he slashed .263/.336/.495/.831 with four home runs and 16 runs batted in. Chourio is not only a threat with the bat, but his speed could be a factor as well. He stole 22 bases in 29 attempts during the regular season.

Prediction

At this point in the season, every team you play is going to be very good. The Brewers are a well-balanced team that has plenty of guys who can cause problems for the Mets. In recent history, the Mets have not played well in Milwaukee. That includes this season just last weekend. To me, that goes out the window in the postseason. Momentum matters and right now, it’s hard to argue that anyone has more of that than the Mets. Not much separates these two teams. Both have elite, difference makers and potential x-factors. This is a tough one to call, but there I only one answer I can go with. The Mets will win a hard-fought series in three.

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