Phillies Take a Bite Out of the Mets
Two teams going opposite directions, met up at Citizens Bank Park for a crucial weekend series. The New York Mets came in losers of six straight, while the Philadelphia Phillies have won eight of their previous ten games. But, strong starting pitching, once again, by the Phillies, and a huge offensive inning led Philadelphia to a 10-2 victory over the New York Mets.
Both teams had an opportunities to score in the first three innings, however both starters Blade Tidwell and Zack Wheeler, got out of jams to keep the game scoreless.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, Nick Castellanos got a leadoff single, then with one out J.T. Realmuto got a single to left, which was followed by a Bryson Stott walk. Then, with the bases loaded, first baseman Otto Kemp grounded into a force out that scored Castellanos. This gave the Phillies, a 1-0 lead.
Then, after the Mets replaced Bidwell with Jose Castillo, it was Brandon Marsh blooping a single to shallow left that scored Realmuto, and making it 2-0.
Although, he threw 98 pitches in five innings, Wheeler had a solid start. He allowed only four hits, three walks, but no one scored and he struck out eight batters, while lowering his ERA to 2.61.
In the top of the 6th, the Phillies brought in Taijuan Walker, who greeted Pete Alonso with a fastball that he deposited over the center field wall. Alonso’s 18th home run of the year, cut the deficit to 2-1. Then, the very next batter, Jeff McNeil, on the very next pitch, tied the game at 2-2 when he hit a screamer over the right field wall for his 8th dinger of the year. Just like that a no-decision for Wheeler.
However, in the bottom of the 7th, Philadelphia broke the tie, and then some. New reliever for New York, gave up back-to-back doubles to Brandon Marsh and Trea Turner, which gave the Phillies a 3-2 lead.
Then, after a walk to Kyle Schwarber, it was Alec Bohm hitting a ground single to right field, which Turner scored easily from second, and making the score, 4-2.
After Garrett was yanked for Justin Garza, it was Castellanos lining a single to center that scored Schwarber, and making it 5-2 Phillies. After a walk to Realmuto with two outs, it was Stott hitting a double off the top of the left center field wall, which scored all three runners on base, and giving the Phillies an 8-2 lead.
Finally, Castellanos hit his 8th homer of the year, as he launched it into the seats in dead center field.
Up next for Phillies
The Phillies will be back at it, this time on a nationally televised game, as Mick Abel will take the mound for Philadelphia, as for the Mets it will be Griffin Canning. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.
-David Weightman/ Olde City Sports Network