Phillies-Mets 5 things: Another home run party?

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Phillies (50-75) vs. Mets (68-56)
7:05 p.m. on CSN

The Phillies look to put Monday night's drubbing by the home run-happy Mets — a 16-7 loss — behind them when they play Game 2 of their four-game series Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park.

There may not be any relief in sight, as right-hander Jerome Williams (4-9, 6.10 ERA) tries to right the Phillies' ship. He'll oppose Mets rookie right-hander Noah Syndergaard (7-6, 3.17 ERA).

Here are five things you need to know for the game:

1. More dingers on tap?
The Mets eviscerated Phillies pitching on Monday by clobbering a franchise-record eight homers, making it Souvenir Night at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies hit three of their own, tying the National League record for most homers in one game with 11.

And don't be surprised to see more balls flying into the seats tonight. Given the way Williams has pitched this season, it's feasible the Mets go for Round 2.

Williams does not qualify among major-league statistical leaders because of a DL stint that limited his total innings. Good thing he doesn't, because his ERA (6.10) and opponents' batting average (.327) would be worst in baseball. And despite significantly less innings, Williams has surrendered the NL's 10th-most homers with 20.

To make matters worse, Yoenis Cespedes, Curtis Granderson, Lucas Duda and Travis d'Arnaud have all taken him deep.

To make matters even worse, since July 25, the Mets lead the majors in home runs (50) and doubles (73), and rank second in runs scored (165) and RBIs (159).

Bombs away?

2. The Big Poisoned Apple
Just when you think the Phillies finally had gotten the better of the Mets for the first time in a long time, New York launched eight home runs to regain its chokehold of the Phillies.

How tight is that chokehold? Consider this ...

• The Mets have won 21 of their last 26 games against the Phillies.

• They've won seven straight series against the Phillies.

• They're 9-1 against the Phillies this season.

• They've won six straight games against the Phillies.

• They're 11-3 at Citizens Bank Park over the last two seasons.

3. Scouting Syndergaard
The Phillies are getting the rookie in the right setting.

The 22-year-old, having a terrific season in New York's loaded rotation, has found success in the comfy confines of Citi Field. However, he's been unable to replicate it on the road. In fact, Syndergaard's been a totally different pitcher away from home. 

At Citi Field, the right-hander is 7-1 with a 1.82 ERA, but away from it, he's 0-5 with a 5.05 mark. Given the way the ball was carrying Monday night, it may be the perfect storm for the Phillies.

But regardless, Syndergaard is a major reason New York sits 5½ games up on Washington for first place in the NL East. He has 117 strikeouts in 18 starts this season, the fourth most in Mets history for a pitcher through his first 18 career games, behind Dwight Gooden (143), Matt Harvey (132) and Nolan Ryan (127).

Syndergaard features a big 98-mph four-seam fastball and then pulls the string with an 81-mph curveball, while also mixing in a 98-mph sinker and 89-mph changeup.

4. Another Dom Bomb?
Confidence is crucial to Domonic Brown.

When he goes in funks, they typically linger. When he breaks out, he breaks out.

The 27-year-old has just five home runs on the season after going deep Monday night off Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom. In late July, he homered in back-to-back games. In early August, he homered in back-to-back games. Thereafter, he went 1 for 21 (.048).

Could Monday's round-tripper be a sign of another hot streak? Tonight will tell.

5. This and that
• Mets third baseman David Wright has 20 career home runs at Citizens Bank Park, the most by any visiting player.

• The Phillies are 21-13 in the second half.

• The Mets are 42-21 at home, but 26-35 on the road.

• Odubel Herrera has hit safely in 30 of his last 34 games.

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