Mets-Phillies Rivalry Heats Back Up After Last Year’s NLDS Clash

The last time the Mets and Phillies squared off, Francisco Lindor’s sixth-inning grand slam in Game 4 of the NLDS sent Citi Field into a frenzy and sealed the Mets’ first-ever playoff series clincher at home.

Now, just months later, the two rivals meet again — and the stakes are already heating up.

The Mets enter the series flying high, sitting atop the NL East and tied with the Padres for the second-most wins in the National League after a dominant four-game sweep of the Cardinals.

The Phillies, meanwhile, are coming off a frustrating bullpen meltdown against the Marlins but are still just two games behind the Mets and playing solid baseball.

“It’s early, but every game counts,” said Brandon Nimmo. “They obviously didn’t like how last year ended, and I’m sure they want to make a statement.”

Added Lindor, “We know the Phillies have a fantastic team.”

This three-game showdown at Citi Field promises intensity and playoff-like energy. The Mets are starting to click on all cylinders. Lindor homered twice in the Cardinals series, Juan Soto is heating up with RBIs in three of the four games, and Pete Alonso leads the NL with 24 RBI.

The supporting cast has stepped up too. Nimmo delivered a go-ahead RBI single on Sunday, Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña are turning things around, and Luis Torrens continues to impress behind the plate. Tyrone Taylor has filled in nicely with Jose Siri out, while Francisco Alvarez is inching closer to a return.

Even with injuries, the Mets look deep, balanced, and dangerous — just in time for their biggest test so far: a red-hot Phillies squad and Aaron Nola in Monday’s opener.

“They have a really good lineup and some really good pitchers,” Lindor said. “We just have to stay the course and play our game. That’s what it’s all about.”