The chips are down, there will be game number three between the New York Mets and the San Diego Padres.
Yesterday, Buck Showalter’s men saved their season thanks to a 7-3 victory and the brilliance of their starter Jacob deGrom. The right-hander delivered the goods, even if his manager would have liked to see him start the next series against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
The one who didn’t throw much in 2022 went six innings while limiting the Padres’ offense to two earned runs, with five hits. In addition, he struck out eight San Diego batters but was hit by a home run from Trent Grisham, for whom it was the second home run in two nights. He hit 17 during the regular season.
Several players have taken matters into their own hands on the side of the New York attack. Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso both got the ball out of bounds, while Brandon Nimmo had three hits and Jeff McNeil drove in two runs.
Today, in the final game of this series and only game in the program of the day, the Mets will send Chris Bassitt on the mound to face veteran Joe Musgrove on the side of the Padres.
The winners of this game will see their journey continue against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Meanwhile, in St. Louis, the Cardinals’ great story came to an abrupt end when the Philadelphia Phillies eliminated Oliver Marmol’s squad by winning in two straight games.
The Phillies advance to the next round by virtue of this 2-0 victory and they will meet their division rivals, in this case the Atlanta Braves.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson had a lucky hand as he gave the ball to Aaron Nola who gave almost nothing to the Cardinals offense, while bowing out after six and two-thirds innings of work. Nola allowed four meager home run hits while striking out six batters, he was credited with the win. Miles Mikolas and Jordan Montgomery pitched the first seven innings on the losing side, Mikolas giving up the two runs the Phillies needed to leave St. Louis through the front door.
Bryce Harper hit his first home run in the 2022 playoffs, while Kyle Schwarber drove in the other run for his team.
Albert Pujols ends his career in front of his fans with a game of two hits in four at bats. Yadier Molina, the other retiree, managed a hit in fall of curtain.
A very sad end for the formation of Missouri, but what an accomplishment for the men of Rob Thomson, who will continue their journey on the side of Georgia, in order to face the Braves there.
