The New York Mets showed their late-inning magic once again in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite being shut down by former Met Zack Wheeler for the first seven innings, the Mets exploded for five runs in the eighth inning to stun the Phillies 6-2 at Citizens Bank Park.
Late-game heroics have become a trend for the Mets in recent games. Just days before, Francisco Lindor’s ninth-inning home run secured a postseason spot against the Braves, followed by Pete Alonso’s game-winning homer in the Wild Card Series against the Brewers. The Mets continued their clutch performance in Philadelphia by rallying against the Phillies’ bullpen in the eighth inning.
After struggling against Wheeler early on, the Mets quickly turned things around in the eighth. Francisco Alvarez and Francisco Lindor kickstarted the inning with a single and a walk, respectively. Mark Vientos tied the game with a single down the left-field line, and Brandon Nimmo gave the Mets the lead with a hit to right field. Alonso and Jose Iglesias contributed with a sacrifice fly and a single, respectively, to extend the lead to 5-1.
Pitcher Kodai Senga, making a limited return from injury, allowed only one run on a homer by Kyle Schwarber in his two innings of work. David Peterson then took over and shut down the Phillies for three innings to keep the Mets in the game. Despite the Phillies threatening in the eighth, reliever Phil Maton and closer Ryne Stanek closed out the game to secure the Mets’ victory.
In the top of the ninth, Nimmo’s hit scored an insurance run for the Mets, giving them a comfortable lead. This allowed closer Edwin Diaz to rest, with Stanek finishing the game and only allowing one run on a double by Kody Clemens.
The Mets’ stunning comeback in Game 1 sets the stage for an exciting series against the Phillies. Fans can follow the latest updates and news on the Mets by visiting AMNY.com for more insights and coverage.
