Phillies enter series against Mets with solid lead over division rival

Cristopher Sánchez is scheduled to start for the Phillies on Monday at Citi Field. (Photo by Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswire)When the Phillies and Mets begin their three-game series at Citi Field on Monday night, the away team will already have a solid lead.

The Phillies (76-54) own a season-high seven-game lead over the Mets (69-61) in the standings. A strong showing by the Phillies could put plenty of pressure on the Mets as the final month of the regular season quickly approaches.

“Every game is big from here on out,” said Phillies manager Rob Thomson following his club’s victory over the Nationals on Sunday. “The Mets have a good club. … We have to go in and pay attention to every detail and…