2024 Divisional Round - Games Three and Four

Game three in a divisional round is always a pivotal matchup in a series, especially when the series is tied at a game apiece. If the higher seed can take the game, they will regain home field advantage, but if they fail, then they face elimination on the road. The Mets blew an opportunity to be up two games to none against the Phillies after a wild game two. They will have Sean Manaea, the unlikely ace for New York, on the mound for them against Aaron Nola, perhaps the bygone ace for Philadelphia. Manaea has really found his groove in the second half, but he has had some past trouble in the playoffs. Nola has been a stalwart for Philly, and he knows these Mets quite well, though of course they are quite familiar with him. For game four, the Mets will send out Jose Quintana and the Phillies will call upon Ranger Suárez. These two lefties have had almost polar opposite seasons. Quintana struggled early, like many Mets, but has been dominant in the final months of the season. Suárez, on the other hand, was otherworldly to begin the year, but has been downright awful to close the year. Both of these guys have been fantastic in their postseason careers, and will look to live up to that reputation. Ultimately this series will come down to the performances from the teams’ respective stars. Can Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso keep providing magical moments? Can Bryce Harper and Trea Turner come through with runners in scoring position?

Things have gotten pretty testy between the Dodgers and Padres in this series, as we head to the raucous crowd at Petco Park. The Dodgers will send Walker Buehler to the hill against Michael King. The former Vanderbilt star has struggled since returning from injury, but he hopes to recapture his electric postseason form. The young Padres ace was brilliant against Atlanta in the Wild Card round, but he will have his work cut out for him against this deep Dodger lineup. Game four will likely be a bullpen game for LA, and while Dylan Cease is scheduled to go on short rest, expect manager Mike Shildt to have a tight leash. For the Dodgers to get back to the NLCS, they are going to need Mookie Betts snap out of his postseason funk. For San Diego, they are hoping that Fernando Tatis, Jr. stays red hot. Do not be shocked if we return to LA for a decisive game five.

Audio clips from MLB.tv

NYM Radio WCBS AM 880 - Howie Rose and Keith Raad

PHI Radio - WIP 94.1 FM - Scott Franzke, Tom McCarthyLarry Andersen, and Kevin Stocker

LAD Radio KLAC AM 570 - Stephen Nelson and Rick Monday

SDP Radio KWFN 97.3 FM - Jesse Agler and Tony Gwynn Jr.

As always shout out to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.