Philly Leader

PHILADELPHIA -- Despite the Mets' 11-3 victory over the Phillies on Friday night at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia maintains a seven-game lead in the NL East with 15 games remaining. The likelihood of the Mets overcoming this deficit is slim.

Philadelphia is poised to secure its first division title since 2011, while the Mets are vying for an NL Wild Card spot. Following a Saturday night loss to the Phillies in London in early June, which left them at 27-36, the Mets have significantly improved their record.

This weekend’s series may not impact the NL East standings but could serve as a preview for a potential postseason matchup next month. The Phillies and Mets have never faced each other in the playoffs. This scenario could change if certain seeding conditions are met: if Philadelphia falls to No. 3 behind the Dodgers and Brewers and New York clinches No. 6; or if Philadelphia secures No. 1 or No. 2 seed and New York advances from positions four through six.

Friday's game saw Aaron Nola struggle, allowing six runs in just 4⅓ innings, including three-run home runs by Francisco Alvarez and Brandon Nimmo in the fifth inning. This marked Nola's first career instance of conceding two three-run homers in a single start.

Nola had been effective through four innings without giving up a hit while striking out six batters. However, he faltered with breaking balls to Alvarez and Nimmo, resulting in home runs off his curveball—only the second time this has occurred against him.