In this article, we will formulate a Mets vs Phillies prediction for this MLB game on Friday, June 20, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.

New York Mets Betting Preview

The New York Mets (45-30, 18-20 Away) extended their losing skid to six games after being swept at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta Braves. The Mets are going through their worst stretch of the season, and it’s not going to be any easier against the divisional rivals, the Phillies in Philly. In Game 3 against Atlanta, the Mets suffered a 7-1 defeat. Ronny Mauricio drove in the lone run for the offense, while Clay Holmes took the loss after allowing three runs on four hits with five strikeouts and six walks in 4.2 innings.

This year, the Mets average 4.49 runs per game (11th in the MLB) on a .246/.329/.418 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Mets’ staff has a 3.00 ERA (1st) and 1.25 WHIP (15th). Pete Alonso leads the Mets with a .291 batting average, 17 home runs, and 63 RBI this season.

The projected starting pitcher for the Mets is Blade Tidwell, who is 0-1 in one start this season, with a 14.73 ERA and 3.27 WHIP in 3.2 innings.

Philadelphia Phillies Betting Preview

The Philadelphia Phillies (45-30, 24-13 Home) are playing well recently; they won seven of the previous eight games. The Phillies beat the Cubs, swept the Blue Jays, and defeated the Miami Marlins in three of four games on the road. In the most recent 2-1 victory, Philadelphia came from behind and scored runs in the 7th and 8th innings. Christopher Sanchez got the win after allowing one run on five hits with four strikeouts and no walks across 8.0 innings of work.

This season, the Phillies average 4.68 runs per game (7th in the MLB) on a .257/.331/.405 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Phillies’ staff has a 3.91 ERA (17th) and 1.29 WHIP (17th). Kyle Schwarber leads the Phillies with a .241 batting average, 23 home runs, and 54 RBI this season.

Zack Wheeler will take the mound for the Phillies on Friday. The 35-year-old right-hander has a 7-2 record in 14 starts this year with a 2.76 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 88.0 innings.

Why the Phillies will cover

The Phillies have won seven of their last eight games.
The Mets have lost each of their last five games after playing the previous day.
The Mets have failed to cover the run line in six of their last seven games.
The Phillies have covered the run line in three of their last four home games against teams that held a winning record.
The Mets have trailed after 5 innings in six of their last eight road games against NL East opponents that held a winning record.

Total Runs Facts

Nine of the Phillies’ last 11 home games against NL East opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
Thirteen of the Mets’ last 16 night games as underdogs have gone UNDER the total runs line.
The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Phillies’ last five games as home favorites against National League opponents.
The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in five of the Mets’ last six games against NL East opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

The Phillies rank 3rd in the league for on-base percentage this season (.331).
The Phillies are one of only three teams in the league to rank top 10 in both steals and batting average this season.
The Mets rank 2nd in the league for runs allowed this season (265).
The Mets rank 3rd in the league for walks this season (272).

Mets vs Phillies Prediction

The Mets won eight of the previous ten H2H encounters, including the last five. This season, the Mets swept the Phillies in three games in NYC. However, not only am I backing the Phillies to win this game and cover the run line in the process, but I also think they will return the favor and sweep the Mets, who are not playing well. The visitors will start Blade Tidwell, a rookie who struggled in his first-ever MLB start against the Cardinals, and I believe he will have another tough game on Friday. Zack Wheeler, on the other hand, allowed two runs in 6.0 innings in his previous start against the Mets, and considering how the Mets’ offense plays of late, I’d be surprised if he surrenders more than a couple of runs here. Back the Phillies to win and cover.

Oliver Zivic's Pick: Phillies -1.5