One-Man Show Leads Phillies Into First Place

The New York Mets have held top spot in the NL East for 90 consecutive days. But that was before the Philadelphia Phillies made a trade deadline deal to bring in starter Kyle Gibson and closer Ian Kennedy. That trade has now helped lead the Phils past the Mets into 1st place. 

After 90 days…. The Mets are longer in first place in the NL East. That spot belongs to the @Phillies. 6 straight wins. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥#RingTheBell

— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) August 7, 2021

Kyle Gibson, in his first home start in Philadelphia, held the Mets to one run over 6 innings, AND drove in the go-ahead run, leading the Phils to a 4-2 win, their 6th straight, and sole possession of 1st place. 

After the game, Gibson said the pennant race vibes really got to him. “Overall, I'm a fairly even-keeled guy, but that overflow of emotion just kind of happens in some of those big situations,” Gibson said. “I don't know that I really could imagine what this atmosphere would look like. It’s met or exceeded every one of my expectations and the excitement I had coming here.”

Since the trade deadline, the playoff odds have swung wildly in the National League East, with the Phillies' chances having doubled, while the Mets have plummeted.

Playoff chances, per Fangraphs

July 29
Mets 75.1%
Phillies 19.9%
Braves 9.8%

Aug. 7
Phillies 41.5%
Mets 34.6%
Braves 29.7%

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) August 7, 2021

From a 20% chance of making the playoffs, the Phils' six straight wins have them sitting now with 41.5% odds, while the Mets, who have lost 7 of their last 9, have dropped from 75% to just 34.6%.

Two more critical games between these two teams this weekend. Buckle up.

Photo Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports