The Mets were coming off a fun, electric walk-off win against the Braves on Sunday night, and starting a split four game series against the Phillies, another divisional rival and the best team in baseball so far this season. They had Sean Manaea pitching, which probably meant at least a decent start, and they were facing Cristopher Sánchez, one of the Phillies lesser starters. But the Phillies were certain to be a tough offensive matchup, even when reduced by injuries taking out J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, and Trea Turner as starters.
The game started quietly for both sides.