The Philadelphia Phillies (73-74) and New York Mets (66-80) open up a three-game National League East series on Monday night at Citi Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 ET

Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets

Philadelphia suffered through a disappointing weekend in dropping three of four games to the Houston Astros inside Minute Maid Park, which was a missed opportunity in trying to make a run for one of the two NL Wild Card spots.  “They always play us good here,” commented Phillies manager Charlie Manuel.  The Phillies are now four games back of the Cardinals for that final spot, as they now face an opponent they’ve lost 10 of their 15 meetings against this season.  Philadelphia is 12-12 on the road when the total is 7 or less.

Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee (5-7, 3.36 ERA) has led the club to four consecutive victories, including a 3-1 home win over the Miami Marlins, allowing one run (zero earned) and four hits over seven frames.  The left-hander is 3-2 with a 2.99 ERA in 13 road outings, issuing 17 walks and striking out 80 batters in 90.1 combined innings.  In seven career starts versus the Mets, Lee has tallied a 3-1 record and 2.25 ERA, including a 9-2 victory inside this ballpark on July 4.

New York returns home after dropping two of three games against the Milwaukee Brewers on a brief road trip, as the club has gone 2-8 in its last 10 games overall.  The Mets have been a solid team with tonight’s scheduled starter on the mound, as nearly one-third of their victories have come with him on the hill.  New York is 11-12 as a home underdog of +100 to +125, with the “over” going 14-9 in that situation.

Mets starting pitcher R.A. Dickey (18-5, 2.68 ERA) had a three-game win streak snapped in a 5-3 home setback to the Washington Nationals, allowing three runs and eight hits over seven frames.  The right-hander is 8-2 with a 2.55 ERA in 15 home games (14 starts), with opposing hitters batting .207 against him.  In eight career efforts versus the Phillies, Dickey has tallied an even 3-3 record and 2.94 ERA, surrendering five home runs in 52 combined innings.

Sports bettors will likely back the Mets due to their 5-1 record in Dickey’s last six starts as a home underdog, while the Phillies are 0-5 in Lee’s last five road efforts versus losing teams.

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