The New York Mets are on the brink of achieving a significant milestone in their 2023 postseason journey after securing a decisive 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the National League Division Series (NLDS). This win places the Mets ahead with a 2-1 lead in the series, just one triumph away from their first National League Championship Series (NLCS) appearance since 2015.
Manaea Steals the Show
Central to the Mets’ victory was the outstanding performance by pitcher Sean Manaea. Delivering a masterclass in resilience and tactical pitching, Manaea held the Phillies to just one run across seven innings, striking out six. This display stood in stark contrast to his past postseason performances where he came in with a staggering 15.26 ERA. However, this season, he has turned the narrative around, allowing only three runs in 12 innings, a considerable improvement that solidifies his standing as a key player for the Mets.
The adjustments Manaea made midseason, specifically altering his arm slot, have drawn favorable comparisons to MLB star Chris Sale. This change has evidently yielded results, aiding him in generating the commanding presence that held sway over the Phillies' aggressive lineup. Mets' manager Carlos Mendoza praised Manaea's tenacity and strategic execution, stating, “He didn't back down from contact. He didn't back away. 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.”
Pitching with Purpose
Beyond the strategies and skills, personal motivations added another layer to Manaea's performance. Deeply affected by the passing of his Aunt Mabel earlier in the day, Manaea dedicated the game to her memory, asserting afterwards, "That game was for her." This heartfelt dedication seemed to fuel his determination and focus, inspiring a standout performance for both his team and in honor of a beloved family member.
Offensive Pressure and Strategic Depth
While Manaea was commanding the mound, the Mets' offense played a parallel role by persistently pressuring the Phillies' pitching staff. This relentless offensive strategy paid dividends, leading to sealing an early-game advantage that the Phillies found insurmountable. Though the Mets' bullpen allowed an inherited runner to score, the team's comprehensive performance made sure the game was firmly in their control throughout.
Carlos Mendoza highlighted Manaea's comprehensive use of his pitching arsenal as a pivotal factor in the game, observing, “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. 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.”
Future Prospects
Standing at 32 years of age, Manaea’s future in baseball seems brighter than ever. With this performance, he is expected to opt out of his $13.5 million salary for 2025 and explore free agency, possibly expanding his horizons and career opportunities. This postseason has certainly bolstered his value and reputation, suggesting that his career trajectory will only ascend from here.
As the Mets face the anticipation of their next NLDS encounter, they do so with renewed vigor and focus. The victory over the Phillies not only inches them closer to a NLCS berth but also showcases their capability to execute flawlessly under pressure. With Manaea’s inspired performance at their core, the future is promising for Mets fans eagerly watching their team chase postseason glory.