In a significant turn of events for the New York Mets, they clinched a 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the National League Division Series (NLDS). This triumph nudged the Mets closer to the National League Championship Series (NLCS) — an achievement they haven't reached since 2015. With their eyes firmly set on advancing, the Mets now hold a 2-1 series lead.
Central to this commanding win was Sean Manaea, whose outstanding pitching performance was pivotal in stymieing the Phillies' otherwise aggressive offense. Across seven innings, Manaea conceded only one run and managed to strike out six Philadelphia players. Given his prior struggles in the postseason, where he carried a hefty 15.26 ERA over three appearances, this transformation was nothing short of remarkable. The turnaround is attributed to a midseason adjustment to his arm slot, drawing comparisons to Chris Sale's technique.
Manaea’s poetic performance was fueled by a personal loss, as he later dedicated the game to his Aunt Mabel, who sadly passed away earlier that day. In his own words, "That game was for her," paying tribute to her memory with his exceptional display on the mound.
Under observant eyes, first-year Mets manager Carlos Mendoza lauded Manaea's indomitable spirit and approach against a potent Phillies lineup. "He didn't back down from contact. He didn't back away," Mendoza stated. His analysis highlighted Manaea’s calculated aggression and consistency that kept the Phillies on their heels. "We know they are an aggressive lineup, and they showed it right away. They were attacking him, but he kept getting the baseball. He had really good rhythm and he went right after. He trusted his stuff. He trusted the game plan, and he didn't back away from it."
Mendoza, impressed with Manaea's versatile use of his arsenal, remarked on his adaptability and astute decision-making. "I liked how he used all of his pitches, especially the changeup. And when he needed to make pitches, he did an unbelievable job, and like I said, he was on the attack," Mendoza expressed. "It was a different look today, even though we’ve seen it the whole year, but his mound presence, his demeanor, like there was something different about him today that I'm just proud of him."
Beyond Manaea’s personal triumphs, the Mets' offense played a crucial role in their victory. Consistently challenging the Phillies' pitchers, the Mets demonstrated a tenacity that underscored their relentless pursuit of runs. The bullpen played its part, albeit with the blemish of allowing an inherited runner to score, a minor hiccup in an otherwise superb team performance.
As the Mets inch towards a potential NLCS berth, attention inevitably turns to Manaea's future. At 32, he is anticipated to opt out of his $13.5 million salary for the 2025 season, likely venturing into free agency. His recent outings undoubtedly make him a subject of interest for teams in search of a reliable left-hander.
With the Mets poised on the brink of a historic series win, all eyes will be on their ability to close out the NLDS successfully. For Manaea, this game not only paid homage to his late aunt but also reasserted his capabilities in the most critical stage of baseball, exemplifying determination and personal triumph intertwined with professional prowess. As the series unfolds, the Mets aim to maintain their momentum, with Manaea's resilient presence serving as a beacon of inspiration.