Mick Abel, the young Phillies pitcher, faced a challenging outing against the New York Mets on Saturday, June 21, 2025, surrendering back-to-back home runs during a game that ended in an 11-4 loss for Philadelphia. The matchup was significant as it happened at sold-out Citizens Bank Park and was broadcasted nationally, as both teams were vying for the top spots in the NL East, with matching records of 46-31 at the time.
In his third inning on the mound, Abel allowed homers to Mets hitters Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, and Juan Soto, extending the Mets’ lead significantly. Abel later admitted that his fastball command was lacking, saying, “Just missing the zone too much,” and acknowledged that he left pitches over the plate. Despite the difficult outing, Abel maintained his composure, and manager Rob Thomson noted that his poise remained strong under pressure.
The Mets showcased offensive firepower, with Lindor, Nimmo, and Soto combining for an impressive 8-for-14 performance with nine runs batted in during the game. Soto, in particular, had a standout performance with four hits, while the Mets launched seven homers overall, a feat not seen by the Phillies since July 2022.
While Abel’s record now stands with a 3.47 ERA, it’s clear that facing high-caliber offenses will be part of his growth as a pitcher. He has allowed seven home runs in his last two starts against strong teams, which reflects the challenge ahead for him in the rotation. The Phillies and Mets will meet once again on Sunday, allowing Abel a chance to bounce back.
This rivalry is notable, especially when both teams are competitive, and it presents valuable experiences for young players like Abel, who may face the Mets again down the road. Each game is an opportunity to learn under the bright lights and pressure of major league baseball, paving the way for future successes.