Mets Face Phillies in Crucial Four-Game Series Amid Playoff Push

New York aims to extend win streak and narrow gap in NL East race against division-leading Philadelphia.

The New York Mets, currently on a three-game home win streak, will host the Philadelphia Phillies for a pivotal four-game series starting Thursday.
The Mets are focused on securing one of the National League's wild-card spots while aiming to prevent the Phillies from clinching the division title in front of them.
Philadelphia holds a seven-game lead over New York in the NL East and has a magic number of one to clinch a playoff spot and four to secure the division title.
Luis Severino (10-6, 3.77 ERA) will start for the Mets, while Taijuan Walker (3-6, 6.29 ERA) returns to the Phillies' rotation.
Key players to watch include the Mets' Pete Alonso, who has 33 home runs this season, and the Phillies' Bryce Harper, with 29 home runs and 40 doubles.