New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies 8/19/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

NL East Division rivals will square off on Friday night, when the New York Mets invade Citizens Bank Park to face the Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets (76-43) have won 36 of their 60 road games and hold a 3.5 game lead over the Braves for first place. Last night, New York OF Mark Canha's two-run blast was not enough during a 3-2 road loss against Atlanta.

Thirty-three year old righty Chris Bassitt (10-7 3.27 ERA) will take the mound for the Mets in this matchup. New York has won Bassitt’s last four starts and he has not allowed an earned run over his last 20 innings.

The Philadelphia Phillies are seven games above .500 on the road and hold a two-game lead over Milwaukee for the final NL Wild Card spot. On Wednesday, Philadelphia was limited to five hits and struck out 11 times during a 1-0 road loss against Cincinnati. SP Ranger Suarez fired seven shutout frames and did not factor in the decision for the Phillies, who fell to 65-52 on the year. 

The Phillies will turn to talented right-hander Aaron Nola (8-9 3.07 ERA) in the series opener. Through 152 plus innings, Nola has struck out 165 batters and ranks fifth in the National League with a 0.93 WHIP.