Final Score: Mets 8, Phillies 2
Following a series-opening loss Friday, the Philadelphia Phillies hoped for a lengthy start from Zack Wheeler and offensive rebound in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the division-rival New York Mets.
What they got instead was a Mets lineup that nickle-and-dimed Wheeler out of the game after less than six innings, and a pretty feeble performance at the plate.
Wedged in between Michael Perez and Jeff McNeil RBIs Saturday afternoon, Francisco Lindor delivering perhaps the most deflating blow in the form of an RBI triple in the top of the sixth inning that scored Starling Marte:
The Mets were up only 4-1 entering the ninth inning, but pushed four additional runs across against Nick Nelson, assuring that closer Edwin DÃaz didn’t have to come in to pitch the ninth. Instead, slugger Darick Hall had to come on to get the final out in a top of the ninth that saw the Mets put up a crooked number.
Meanwhile, the Phillies went 0-5 with runners in scoring position in Game 1, stranding eight runners on base. Jean Segura plated Nick Castellanos with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the sixth, but that was one of just two runs the Phillies scored in the contest.
The Phillies played better than anyone could imagine without Bryce Harper for a significant chunk of time, but in recent days it’s become clear how much they miss the reigning National League MVP’s presence in their lineup.
Over their last nine games, the Phillies have been shut out four times, and scored three or more runs on just two occasions. Unsurprisingly, the Phillies are just 3-6 over that stretch.
With the loss, the Phillies fall to 65-54, having lost three in a row. Meanwhile, the Mets increase their stranglehold on the division by improving to 78-43.
Bailey Falter will get the ball for the Phillies in Game 2 of the doubleheader this evening, with the Mets slated to counter with a lefty of their own in David Peterson.
Shibe Vintage Sports Starting Pitching Performance
- Trevor Williams went four plus shutout innings Saturday afternoon, limiting the Phillies to four hits and striking out three.
- Zack Wheeler held the Mets to just five hits in Game 1 of the doubleheader, but a deep lineup wore him down and knocked him out after just 5 1/3 innings. The former Met struck out six, but walked four and allowed four earned runs.
Phillies Nugget Of The Game
With the loss in Game 1, the Phillies are now 4-13 (.235) against the Mets this season. Against everyone else, they are 61-41 (.598).
Ticket IQ Next Game
- Doubleheader Game 2 vs. Mets at Citizens Bank Park
- 7:15 p.m. ET
- TV: FOX
- Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP
- Spanish Radio: WTTM 1680
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