Mets Squander Another Late Lead; Drop Series To Phillies

The New York Mets set out to capture a win in the series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies, but their offense faltered yet again, and the pitching once again faltered late. The Phillies dealt a blow to the Mets’ wild card hopes with a 2-1 walk-off victory, securing the series finale. The Mets’ position in the wild card race now hinges on the outcomes of other teams’ games, which are set to begin later in the evening.

Today was a day for pitchers as starters for both teams held the fort and kept the respective opponents’ offense at bay. For the Mets, David Peterson was tremendous in his rebound start, going 7 2/3 innings, only giving up four hits, and one run on six strikeouts.

Phil Maton would come in relief of Peterson and retire Trea Turner with a runner on base to keep the tie. Philadelphia starter Cristopher Sánchez threw seven solid innings, giving up six hits, and one run on seven strikeouts. Orion Kerkering and José Ruiz held the Mets scoreless after relieving Sánchez.

The only offense mustered by the Mets was a Tyrone Taylor solo home run in the top of the eighth but the lead wouldn’t last long as Buddy Kennedy would drive in Weston Wilson in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game. The offense went 1-for-3 with runners in scoring position and left six runners on base.

Edwin Díaz came into the game in the ninth inning and after getting the first two outs and allowing a base hit and a stolen base to Nick Castellanos, gave up the game-winning hit to Trea Turner.

Francisco Lindor returned and was in the starting lineup at shortstop but after getting on base on an error and a half-inning in the field, he was pulled from the game due to his lingering back soreness issue. Luisangel Acuña took his place in the field and went 0-for-3 offensively.

Statistic of the Game: Late-Game Blunders

For the second consecutive day, the Mets couldn’t preserve a late lead, costing them two vital wins in the wild card race. After Luis Severino and the bullpen surrendered six runs following a 4-0 lead in the previous game, Peterson and Díaz gave up two runs late, sealing the series loss for the Mets.

Player of the Game: David Peterson

Another strong start for David Peterson as he was stellar, going 7 2/3 innings, only giving up four hits, and one run on six strikeouts. Peterson boasts a 2.17 ERA over his last seven games, with a 3-1 record and 37 strikeouts.

On Deck

The Mets are right back at it tomorrow as they face the Washington Nationals at Citi Field, beginning a homestand versus the Nats and the Phillies. Sean Manaea (11-5, 3.35 ERA) will look to continue his strong season on the mound, and facing him for Washington will be Jake Irvin (10-12, 4.19 ERA). First pitch is at 7:10 pm ET and will be broadcast on SNY and Mets Radio 880.

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