LIVE: Phillies-Mets NLDS Game 4 (FS1)
**PHILADELPHIA** -- In the 16 years since Citi Field opened, the New York Mets have yet to celebrate a playoff victory with champagne at home. Wednesday presents a fresh opportunity for that to change.
When the Mets secured the National League East title in 2015, they celebrated in Cincinnati. Their subsequent celebrations took place in Los Angeles and Chicago, while their playoff clinchers in 2016 and 2022 occurred in Philadelphia and Milwaukee, respectively. This year, they celebrated in Atlanta and Milwaukee, but still have not done so on their own turf.
**FOLLOW LIVE: Phillies vs. Mets NLDS Game 4**
Over the years, other teams have celebrated their victories on the Mets' field and in their visiting clubhouse. Now, the Mets are eager for their moment.
“Winning is crucial because it brings us closer to our ultimate goal,” said outfielder Starling Marte through an interpreter. “We want to celebrate our victories.”
## Previewing NLDS Game 4 Between Phillies and Mets
However, the Phillies have different plans for this pivotal NL Division Series Game 4. It’s an elimination match for Philadelphia, which must secure a win to avoid seeing their impressive 95-win season come to an abrupt end in the first round of the playoffs.
With their season hanging in the balance, the Phillies will start left-hander Ranger Suárez, who was one of the league’s top pitchers in the first half of the season but faced significant struggles as the season wound down. The Mets will counter with Jose Quintana, whose season trajectory has been the opposite of Suárez’s—starting slow but finishing strong.
Should the Phillies win, they will force a decisive Game 5 on Friday at Citizens Bank Park. A loss, however, would mean an early exit and an end to their postseason aspirations.
“As a team, this is the closest we’ll come to feeling like we’re at death’s door,” remarked Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos. “In a way, that makes us feel more alive. We’re only guaranteed tomorrow.”
### What You Need to Know About Game 4:
**When is the game and how can I watch it?**
Game 4 is currently being broadcast on FS1. All games are available in the U.S. through MLB.TV (authentication with a participating pay TV provider is required). Live games can also be accessed in select countries outside the U.S.
### Who are the Starting Pitchers?
**Phillies:** LHP Ranger Suárez (12-8, 3.46 ERA)
Suárez was a strong contender for the NL Cy Young Award in the early months of the season until a back injury hindered his performance. He began the season with an impressive 10-1 record and a 1.75 ERA over his first 15 starts, but struggled afterward, going 0-4 with a 6.67 ERA in his next five outings. The first-time All-Star opted to skip the All-Star Game to rest his back but ended up on the injured list after his first start of the second half. Since returning in late August, he has had difficulty regaining his earlier form, posting a 5.74 ERA in his final seven starts.
**Mets:** LHP Jose Quintana (10-10, 3.75 ERA)
When asked if Game 4 would be the biggest start of his career, Quintana replied, “Yeah, probably.” While Cubs fans might recall his appearances in the 2017 NL Championship Series as more significant, a start in the NLDS before a packed crowd in Queens is certainly on par.
Quintana enters this game on an excellent hot streak. He wrapped up the regular season with a remarkable 0.74 ERA over his last six starts and delivered one of his best performances yet, throwing six shutout innings—well beyond expectations—in the Wild Card Series against the Brewers. With an extra day of rest, he’s eager to add to his postseason achievements. Quintana stated, “At this stage, every game feels like Game 7 for me.”
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