The Philadelphia Phillies moved closer to securing a National League wild-card spot with a 7-5 victory over the New York Mets on September 24. Bryce Harper played a key role in the win, hitting a home run and driving in three RBIs. The Phillies now hold a 4 1/2 game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the race for the NL’s top wild-card spot. The Mets, on the other hand, have been officially eliminated from contention after losing the first three games of the four-game series against the Phillies.
Bryce Harper kickstarted the Phillies’ comeback from a 2-0 deficit by hitting a solo home run in the second inning against Jose Quintana. The Phillies scored three more runs in the fifth inning, with Johan Rojas scoring on Trea Turner’s grounder and Harper adding a two-run single. Despite allowing five runs (three earned) on eight hits and one walk, Zack Wheeler earned the win after pitching seven innings.
The Phillies’ bullpen held strong in the later innings, with Gregory Soto and Jose Alvarado preventing any further damage from the Mets. Soto struck out Mark Vientos to strand two runners in the eighth inning, while Alvarado pitched a perfect ninth inning to secure his 10th save of the season.
The Mets took an early lead in an unusual manner, capitalizing on a fielding error by Trea Turner to score two runs. However, their efforts fell short as the Phillies mounted their comeback.
In the seventh inning, Brandon Nimmo hit a two-run triple for the Mets, and Francisco Lindor drove him in with a sacrifice fly. Despite their late rally, the Mets were unable to overcome the Phillies’ lead.
Jose Quintana started on the mound for the Mets and pitched six innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on eight hits. He struck out 10 batters but ultimately took the loss.
The victory brings the Phillies one step closer to securing a playoff berth, while the Mets’ hopes for postseason play have been dashed.
