New York @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 17, 2018 ) NY Mets 2, Philadelphia 4

The Philadelphia Phillies look to clinch just the seventh series victory over the New York Mets in 26 tries and continue their strong play at home when the National League rivals meet for the fourth of a five-game set Saturday afternoon. The Phillies gave up 24 runs in the series opener before taking the last two contests, including Friday’s 4-2 victory behind All-Star pitcher Aaron Nola that pulled them within one-half game of first-place Atlanta in the NL East.

Cesar Hernandez has led the way the last two contests for Philadelphia while going 4-for-8 with four runs scored and the Phillies seek a 16th victory in their last 20 games at home. Former Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta will get the call for Philadelphia on Saturday and the Mets will counter with ace Jacob deGrom, who has not given up a run in two appearances versus the Phillies this year. New York has cooled off with two straight losses after going 6-2 over the previous eight contests and went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position while its pitchers permitted five stolen bases Friday. Todd Frazier owns 11 RBIs in his last 11 outings and Austin Jackson is a robust 9-for-20 with three doubles and a triple during a four-game hitting streak for the Mets.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Jacob deGrom (7-7, 1.81 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (9-7, 3.33)

DeGrom finally received strong run support in his last two starts and responded with a pair of victories, allowing two earned runs over 12 2/3 innings combined. The 30-year-old Florida native needs five strikeouts to reach 200 for the third time in his five big-league seasons and leads the majors with a 1.81 ERA - including nine scoreless frames against the Phillies. Justin Bour is 8-for-21 with two homers versus deGrom, who is 6-1 with a 2.45 ERA in 13 career games against Philadelphia.

Arrieta saw his seven-game unbeaten streak come to an end last Sunday at San Diego, when he permitted five runs and eight hits over five innings. The 32-year-old TCU product registered five quality starts during the unbeaten streak, including eight scoreless frames at Arizona on Aug. 6, and has limited opponents to a .228 batting average overall at home. Jackson is 4-for-6 and Frazier owns two homers against Arrieta, who is 2-2 with a 1.99 ERA in eight career starts versus the Mets.

WALK-OFFS

1. The MRI on New York OF Brandon Nimmo’s left hand came back clean Friday, but he sat out the last two games after going 10-for-14 in his previous four.

2. Philadelphia C Wilson Ramos was rested Friday, but is likely to be back in the lineup Saturday after going 6-for-9 in his first two games with the team.

3. Mets OF Michael Conforto went 0-for-4 on Friday, but boasts 11 homers and 33 RBIs - both personal highs against any team - in 40 career games against the Phillies.

PREDICTION: Phillies 2, Mets 1