Philadelphia @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 23, 2019 ) Philadelphia 0, NY Mets 9

The Philadelphia Phillies have been showing more fire in their postgame interviews than they have on the field lately. With losses in five of their last six and getting outscored 18-2 in their last three, the slumping Phillies look to locate a spark and avert a series sweep by the host New York Mets on Wednesday night.

After Bryce Harper's ejection was met with critical comments by teammate Jake Arrieta following a series-opening 5-1 setback, manager Gabe Kapler told reporters that Tuesday's tilt was an important one. Philadelphia didn't play like it in the 9-0 shellacking, mustering just five hits and little fire -- save for Rhys Hoskins, who objected to two fastballs sailing over his head in the ninth inning. Kapler ordered an intentional walk of Jeff McNeil to get to Todd Frazier, who belted a grand slam in the fifth inning. Wilson Ramos has recorded an RBI in back-to-back games for the Mets, who are looking to cap this series with a sweep after losing two of three in Philadelphia from April 15-17.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, NBCS Philadelphia, SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (0-0, 2.55 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jason Vargas (1-0, 9.58)

Velasquez has acquitted himself well in his four appearances this season, but has yet to record a decision despite allowing just five runs on 13 hits with 16 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old, however, has permitted a homer in three straight outings. Velasquez owns a 1-4 mark with a 4.58 ERA in eight career starts versus New York, although Michael Conforto (6-for-12, three homers, seven RBIs) has had his number.

Vargas answered getting just one out in his previous start at Atlanta by allowing one run on three hits in four innings to take a no-decision at St. Louis on Friday. "It had been 17 days since he had thrown 65 pitches, so the pitch count really got to him," Mets manager Mickey Callaway said of the 36-year-old. "Seventy-five pitches and he was done. He was kind of spent." Vargas, who is 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in five career appearances against Philadelphia, has enjoyed success in a small sample size versus Harper (0-for-5).

WALK-OFFS

1. Conforto is 6-for-17 with two homers, two RBIs and four runs scored versus Philadelphia this season.

2. Philadelphia CF Roman Quinn is 2-for-21 with 13 strikeouts in his last six games.

3. New York OF Brandon Nimmo is questionable to play in the finale after exiting with an oblique injury on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Phillies 3