The Mets have the best record in baseball since the All-Star break. Sure, they are one of only two teams to have played, but after a miserable first half, it’s a start.
Francisco Alvarez homered twice, and Christian Scott delivered 5 2/3 shutout innings to help New York beat the Phillies 4-1. The game was pushed an hour earlier due to the poor air quality caused by the Canada wildfires.
Scott was excellent, allowing just three hits with seven strikeouts and no walks. The righty was in control, throwing 56 of his 79 pitches for strikes to get the win. He’s now 3-1 with a 2.87 ERA and 1.22 WHIP on the season.
The Mets bullpen, which will likely be transformed via trades over the next couple of weeks, was superb as well. Brooks Raley, Huascar Brazobán, Luke Weaver, and Devin Williams combined to allow just one run on one hit over 3 1/3 innings. The lone run was allowed by Weaver, ending his streak of 28 1/3 innings without giving up an earned run. Devin Williams recorded the 100th save of his career.
Alvarez provided the big blows, both solo shots, while Brett Baty and A.J. Ewing helped pad the Mets’ lead. Baty homered right before Alvarez hit his second, and Ewing added an insurance run in the ninth on an RBI double.
“As much power as you’re ever going to see in the 9-hole, probably means he doesn’t really belong in the 9-hole,” said manager Andy Green of Alvarez, who was batting ninth tonight.
It wasn’t all good news for the Mets on Thursday. Juan Soto left the game with left calf soreness, though Green said he expects Soto to be back playing this weekend.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Hit two homers, win POTG honors. Alvarez’s 10th and 11th dingers of the year were an encouraging sign.
UP NEXT
For the second time this season, the Mets and Phillies are off Friday before resuming their series on Saturday. Sean Manaea (2–4, 4.56 ERA) looks to build on his best start of the year, a seven-inning gem against the Royals on July 9. Lefty Jesús Luzardo (8–4, 3.51 ERA), who pitched a hitless inning in Sunday’s All-Star Game, starts for Philadelphia. The game is at 4:05 PM EDT and airs on SNY.
