Sarah: The Mets just got embarrassed 8-1 by the best team in baseball, their lineup is missing half its punch, and yet somehow we've got a chance to steal the series tonight. You're not gonna want to miss this one.
Tom: And if you think the pitching matchup favors the Brewers, wait till you hear who's taking the hill for the Mets. This is going to be fascinating.
Sarah: Welcome back to Beatline, the only place where Mets fans get their daily fix. I'm Sarah, alongside the sharpest baseball mind in the podcast game, Tom. Today we're previewing the series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers, and we've got three big things to break down.
Tom: First, we'll look at the pitching probables and how the Mets can slow down the NL Central champs. Then we'll dig into the lineup struggles and the bullpen questions that are keeping this team from finding any consistency. And finally, we'll give you the keys to stealing a win and maybe a bold prediction or two.
Sarah: Alright Tom, let's start with last night. I know we said this was going to be a tough test, but 8-1? That was ugly.
Tom: It was. And the real story wasn't just the score, it was the early injury to Dustin May. He left the game, and the bullpen just couldn't keep them in it. Brice Turang's three-run homer basically sealed it.
Sarah: And that's after Francisco Lindor literally carried them to a 3-2 win in ten innings on Tuesday with that diving catch and the winning run. Talk about a rollercoaster.
Tom: Exactly. That was the kind of win that makes you think they've turned a corner, and then last night reminds you how fragile this team is without Soto and Vientos. But here's the thing — tonight's matchup might actually favor the Mets.
Sarah: Okay, I'm listening. Who are we expecting to see on the mound? We don't have official probables yet, but give me your read.
Tom: I'm hearing the Mets will go with Sean Manaea. He's been their most reliable starter this year, and he's got the stuff to neutralize that Brewers lineup. Milwaukee hasn't faced him much, so that's an edge.
Sarah: And the Brewers? They're 81-51 for a reason. Who's their guy today?
Tom: Looks like it'll be Freddy Peralta. He's been solid, but he's given up a few homers lately. If the Mets can get to him early, they've got a shot.
Sarah: So what's the key for Manaea? He's got to keep the ball in the yard, right?
Tom: Absolutely. The Brewers lead the league in homers since the break. If Manaea can induce ground balls and get some weak contact, he can go six or seven innings and give the bullpen a break.
Sarah: And the bullpen — that's been a mess all year. We've got a few arms on the IL, and the guys we've got are getting taxed.
Tom: Right. With May's injury, they're going to have to lean on the pen even more. That's why Manaea going deep is so critical. If he can give them seven, they might only need two innings from the bullpen.
Sarah: Okay, so the pitching matchup might be closer than people think. But the offense — that's where I'm really worried. We're missing Soto, Vientos, and now Jake Bauers is day-to-day.
Tom: It's tough, no question. But they've got Lindor, and Luis Robert Jr. has been on fire since coming over. He homered again on Tuesday, didn't he?
Sarah: He did. And that's the guy who can change a game with one swing. That's why I'm not writing this one off.
Tom: Exactly. They just need to string together some good at-bats. If they can get to Peralta early, they can put pressure on Milwaukee's bullpen, which has been a little shaky lately.
Sarah: Let's talk about the hitters we need to step up tonight. Obviously Lindor is the engine, but who else has to produce?
Tom: I'm looking at Brett Baty. He's been heating up, and with Vientos out, he's the everyday third baseman. He's got to provide some pop in the middle of that lineup.
Sarah: And what about Marcus Semien? He's been a steady presence at second, but he hasn't been driving in runs like we'd hope.
Tom: Semien is a professional, and he's been hitting the ball hard. The results will come. But they need more than just Lindor and Robert Jr. They need the bottom of the order to chip in.
Sarah: We've got Francisco Alvarez behind the plate. He's been struggling a bit, but he's got that ability to come up with a big hit.
Tom: Alvarez has been pressing a little, but he's still a threat. If he can work some deep counts and get on base, that'll set the table for the big boys.
Sarah: Now, the bullpen. We've got a lot of guys on the IL — Cionel Perez, Justin Hagenman, JoJo Romero, Abner Uribe, Joel Kuhnel. It's a mess.
Tom: It's a mess, but they've got some young arms getting opportunities. Nate Lavender and Dedniel Nunez have shown flashes. If they can give you a clean inning, that's a win.
Sarah: And let's not forget the injuries on the other side. Dustin May left last night's game — that's a big blow for them. And they've got Bo Bichette day-to-day. That's a guy who can hurt you.
Tom: Right, Bichette is questionable. If he's not in the lineup, that's a huge break for the Mets. He's been one of Milwaukee's best hitters since the trade deadline.
Sarah: So the Brewers might be shorthanded too. That's the silver lining.
Tom: Exactly. And don't forget, the Mets have Luis Robert Jr. in center, and he's been a spark. He's got five homers in his last ten games.
Sarah: That's the kind of production they need. And what about Carson Benge? He's been getting some playing time in right field. He could be a difference-maker.
Tom: Benge has good plate discipline, and he's got some pop. If he can be patient against Peralta, he might get a pitch to drive.
Sarah: Alright, so let's bring it all together. What are the keys to winning this game tonight?
Tom: First, Manaea has to keep the ball down. If he can avoid the long ball, he gives the Mets a chance. Second, the lineup has to be patient against Peralta and get his pitch count up. And third, the bullpen has to find a way to get three or four outs without giving up a run.
Sarah: And what about the mental side? This team has been through a lot — injuries, losing streaks, and now a tough series. How do they stay focused?
Tom: It's about the next man up mentality. They've got veterans like Lindor and Semien who've been through this. They know how to keep the clubhouse loose and focused.
Sarah: So give me a bold prediction. We've been wrong before, but I'm feeling good about tonight.
Tom: I'll say this: Luis Robert Jr. goes deep again, and the Mets win a close one, 4-3. Manaea goes six strong, and the bullpen does just enough.
Sarah: I love it. I'm going to go even bolder — the Mets score five in the first three innings and cruise to a 7-2 win. Robert Jr. homers, Lindor drives in two, and we're all celebrating a series split.
Tom: I hope you're right. But either way, this is a team that's fighting. And with the season on the line, you never know what could happen.
Sarah: So there you have it — the Mets need a win tonight to split the series with the best team in baseball. If you enjoyed this preview, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review Beatline. Share it with your fellow Mets fans, and let's get ready for some baseball.
Tom: And as always, let's go Mets. We'll be back tomorrow with the recap.
Sarah: Thanks for listening, everybody. See you after the game.