Mets Sweep Cardinals, Set Stage for Pivotal Showdown Against Phillies

The New York Mets are showing early signs of serious contention this season, extending their hot streak at Citi Field with a four-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals. The sweep marks the first time since 1986—one of the franchise’s most storied seasons—that the Mets have achieved such a feat, providing fans with a strong sense of optimism.

Now sitting at 9-1 at home, the Mets are proving they can turn Citi Field into a fortress. Lindor launched a leadoff home run in the first inning and later broke a tie with a key single in the seventh. Tyrone Taylor added energy from the lower part of the lineup, with clutch hits and hustle plays that extended innings and plated runs.

Pitcher Clay Holmes delivered his best start of the season, going six strong innings and allowing only one run. Brandon Nimmo’s leaping grab saved a potential game-tying homer, exemplifying the strong defensive identity the Mets have cultivated early this year. Even with bullpen hiccups—reliever José Butto allowed inherited runners to score—the Mets’ relief core continued to demonstrate why it remains among the best in the league, shutting the door late to preserve a 7-4 win.

Looking ahead, the Mets gear up for a pivotal divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies, one of the few teams keeping pace in the National League East. Philadelphia enters the series with strong home performance credentials but a shaky bullpen, presenting a critical opportunity for the Mets lineup to capitalize. The Mets currently sit two games ahead of the Phillies in the standings.

Key reinforcements could return ahead of the series. Infielder Jeff McNeil, fresh off a torrid rehab stretch in the minors where he hit .450, could rejoin the roster. Given his strong track record against Phillies starter Aaron Nola (.326 in 43 at-bats), McNeil’s reactivation could provide an immediate spark. Catcher Francisco Alvarez, meanwhile, is still regaining form and may require more time in Triple-A after hitting just .219 during rehab.

Strategizing the lineup for the series opener includes potential decisions involving Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuna, and Mark Vientos, with roster space being a hot topic. Manager Carlos Mendoza might opt for McNeil at second base, utilizing Baty or Acuna situationally depending on defensive needs and matchups.

The Phillies come into the series with a formidable batting order led by Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Nick Castellanos. Their rotation has been solid, but bullpen vulnerabilities—second-worst ERA in MLB—remain a glaring issue. The Mets will aim to exploit this by driving up pitch counts early and reaching the underbelly of Philadelphia’s bullpen.

Game 1 features a potentially favorable pitching matchup for New York, with Tylor Megill taking the mound against an inconsistent Aaron Nola. Nola has struggled in 2025 with an ERA over 6.00, allowing nine hits and four walks in his last outing. Mets sluggers like Pete Alonso (.327 with six HRs against Nola) and Juan Soto (15 walks in 53 plate appearances) have had notable success against him.

Beyond individual matchups, the Mets are focused on continuing their disciplined, balanced approach—leaning on timely hitting, improved defense, and a bullpen that has largely carried the pitching staff. Late-inning execution could be the difference-maker in this series, considering both the Mets’ bullpen strength and the Phillies’ late-inning vulnerabilities.

The upcoming series against Philadelphia stands as perhaps the first major litmus test of the Mets’ season. A strong showing could solidify their early-season legitimacy in the eyes of the league, fans, and themselves.

Whether or not this week’s games prove decisive in the long run, they offer Mets fans as much excitement and anticipation as any April series could bring.

On This Day in Mets History