The New York Mets rallied for four runs in the ninth inning to secure a split against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The New York Mets found a way to end the London Series on a positive note. Sunday afternoon on the East Coast, they rallied back down one to avoid a sweep against the Philadelphia Phillies. The task was challenging, but the Mets completed it successfully. It also marks the sixth time when the Mets have won games when trailing in the 9th inning or later. That is the most in MLB.
Defensive Miscues Hurt Mets in Opener
Things were going really well for LHP Sean Manea at the beginning of Saturday’s game. He had pitched three scoreless early on without giving up a run, which seemed surprising considering his struggles he has been going through. Things really changed in the fourth inning when the Phillies would score six runs off him. The big inning started with red-hot 1B Bryce Harper taking Manaea deep to tie the game at one. Philadelphia wasn’t done scoring during that inning. Harper made headlines for his celebration of a soccer slide.
The Phillies would take advantage of a fly ball that OF Starling Marte misjudged, allowing a run to score to make it 2-1. Then came the big blow of the inning. Offseason signing UTL Whit Merrifield would follow through with a three-run bomb to left field to make it 5-2. The Phillies would record one more run in the inning on an RBI single by OF Kyle Schwarber. Manager Carlos Mendoza would then take Manaea off the mound as he had seen enough.
Meanwhile there wasn’t much done by the Mets offense throughout the day. The only runs they scored were on an RBI single by Startling Marte in the first inning, followed by an RBI groundout by DH J.D Martinez in the fifth. That pretty much sums up the Mets offense in the series opener against Philadelphia. They were shut down by ace LHP Ranger Suarez who looked locked in for most of his outing. Got to tip your hat to him.
Amazin’ Mets Rally for the Win
Similar to Saturday’s game, the Mets offense was pretty much held silent until the sixth. Former Met SP Taijuan Walker pitched five-and-two-thirds strong innings, allowing just two runs while striking out six batters. Both runs were inherited. The team tied the score with one impactful rally. OF Brandon Nimmo hit an RBI double off LHP Gregory Soto, J.D Martinez would then follow through with a two-run single.
Philadelphia would take the lead on a pinch-hit solo shot by OF David Dahl to make it 5-4. But New York wasn’t done just yet. They made things interesting in the ninth inning. After putting two men on base, the Mets would tie the score on an infield RBI single by 3B Mark Vientos. New York tacked on two more runs in the inning, started by a hit by pitch to 1B Pete Alonso, followed by a passed ball by C J.T Realmuto allowing SS Jose Iglesias to score.
Philly was not done just yet. They would load the bases in the bottom of the inning and would score a run to cut the lead to within one. Their rally would have to be put to an end eventually. OF Nick Castellanos ended the bases loaded threat on a double play that would save the Mets from blowing another game.
What’s Next
Both teams will be returning to the United States to resume their regular season. Philadelphia will be travelling to Boston to take on the Red Sox, who are solid in the AL East division. While New York on the other hand, will be returning home to kick off a three-game series against their division rival Miami Marlins.
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