A key will be how manager Carlos Mendoza strategizes the late innings. He didn't bring in closer Edwin Diaz for a six-out save in Game 2 like he did Monday against the Braves, but Diaz now has two days off after throwing 40 pitches in that game and 26 the day before. Phil Maton blew the lead in Game 2; he's pitched four times in five days and hasn't looked good his past two outings, which will force Mendoza to consider his other relievers.
The Mets need to find some long-ball power. They've done a tremendous job of stringing together rallies and hitting with runners in scoring position but they haven't gone deep and it's hard to imagine them winning again without homering in one of baseball's most homer-friendly venues.
Which version of Quintana shows up? Is it the one who produced a 5.63 ERA in August or the one who finished the season strong, compiling a 0.72 mark in September? You can be assured that if he's starting an elimination game, the Mets believe the most recent version is the real Quintana.
Watch Quintana’s curveball. If it’s on, the Mets may advance. They believe in his potential because of his recent performance but the earlier struggles put just as much uncertainty around him as his potential.
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