In their first home game in 16 days, the New York Mets took a strong lead in the National League Division Series with a decisive 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday, putting the Phillies on the verge of elimination.
With this win, the Mets now lead the series 2-1 and can clinch a spot in the NL Championship Series for the first time since 2015 when they play Game 4 on Wednesday at Citi Field. The Phillies, who won the NL East, are eager to prolong their season and force a Game 5 at Citizens Bank Park.
“The atmosphere was absolutely incredible,” said Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. “The fans brought energy from pitch one to the last out, and we need more of that tomorrow.”
The Mets took the lead early with solo home runs from Pete Alonso in the second inning and Jesse Winker in the fourth. In the seventh, Starling Marte’s two-run single broke the game open, extending the Mets’ advantage to 4-0 amid a bases-loaded situation. Jose Iglesias added a two-RBI single later in the inning, sealing the lead at 6-0.
Mets pitcher Sean Manaea delivered a stellar performance, striking out seven and allowing no runs through the first seven innings before handing over to the bullpen. Although the Phillies managed to score two runs in the eighth, including an RBI single from Bryce Harper, the Mets responded with another run to ensure their victory.
“Tomorrow, we need to come out and give everything,” noted Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor about the upcoming game.
The Phillies will send left-handed pitcher Ranger Suarez to the mound in their bid to keep their season alive, while the Mets will counter with fellow southpaw Jose Quintana.
Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos acknowledged the stakes after the defeat, saying, “If we’re able to come in and scrape out a win here, I know that they do not want to go back to Philly for a Game 5.”
In the eighth inning, after Manaea was relieved, the Phillies scored two runs, but the Mets managed to keep their composure and responded with another run of their own.
This game follows an intense series, and the anticipation is high as both teams prepare for the critical Game 4 matchup. The action continues on Wednesday, with fans eager to see which team will advance in the postseason.