Alonso Powers Mets to 6-1 Victory, Take Series in Philadelphia

Looking to split the day, the New York Mets (20-10) took on their divisional rival Philadelphia Phillies (12-16) in the night cap on Sunday. Chris Bassitt squared off against the second-year southpaw Cristopher Sánchez, who was making his first start of the season for Philadelphia. The Mets powered their way to a game two victory, winning by the score of 6-1.

Francisco Lindor was the first Mets’ hitter to reach base safely by slapping a base-hit through the left side of the infield in the first inning. After Lindor’s single, Pete Alonso stepped up to the plate and cranked a two-run shot to give Bassitt and the Mets an early two run lead.

Bassitt ran into some early trouble after Alec Bohm hit a dribbler past the mound to reach base on an infield hit and Nick Castellanos singled on a line drive to left field. With Rhys Hoskins at-bat, Bassitt seemed to have struck him out with a fastball on the outside corner. However, the first base umpire called a balk allowing the runners to advance to second and third. Bassitt ended up striking Hoskins out on a similar pitch to end the inning without allowing any runs.

Leading-off the bottom of the second inning, Jean Segura launched an outside pitch over the right field wall to cut the Mets’ lead in half. This was Segura’s 100th career home run. Bassitt recovered after the solo-shot to retire the next three Phillies’ hitters in order.

Brandon Nimmo led off the third inning by getting hit by a Sanchez breaking ball, bringing the Mets league-leading HBP total to 23 on the year. With two outs, Alonso lined a single onto the right field grass, permitting Nimmo to advance to third. Looking to expand the Mets’ lead, Eduardo Escobar flew out to center fielder Roman Quinn ending the inning.

Bassitt settled in after allowing a lone earned run in the second inning. He finished with 5 2/3 innings pitched allowing five hits, one walk, and one earned run. He also collected four punch outs. Bassitt secured his fourth win this season, tying Max Scherzer and Tylor Megill for the team-lead.

The Mets added onto their lead in the fifth inning. Tomás Nido led things off by ripping a single up the middle. With the outfield shifted towards left, Nimmo singled to right-center field. Nido attempted to go first-to-third one the base hit, but Quinn had other plans, nailing Nido at third with a one-hop throw right to the bag. Following a line out from Mark Canha, Lindor obtained his second opposite field single on the night. Alonso seized the opportunity to break the game open, by blasting a towering shot to left field, earning his second home run of the game. The three-run shot gave the Mets a 5-1 lead.

Journeyman Andrew Bellati checked in to pitch for the Phillies in the sixth inning, quickly striking out Starling Marte and Jeff McNeil. The Mets’ offense didn’t cave after two quick outs. J.D. Davis got things going with a ground ball base hit before Nido lined a double into the gap, putting runners on second and third base. A wild pitch in the next at-bat granted Davis to score, improving the Mets’ lead to 6-1.

The Mets’ bullpen provided a fine outing, combining for 3 1/3 scoreless innings in relief of Bassitt. Chasen Shreve and Drew Smith did not allow a hit out of the pen in two innings of work. Seth Lugo was brought into the game with a five run lead in the ninth inning, allowing one hit and no runs, putting the day-night doubleheader in the books.  It was a strong night for the Mets’ bullpen, as the two days off may have helped their efforts in this one.

Player of the Game: Pete Alonso

Alonso was terrific at the plate in game two on Sunday. He got the Mets’ offense on the board in the first inning. In all, he compiled two home runs in the game, leading the team to an important division win. Alonso leads the National League in RBIs with 26 on the season. His final line: 3-for-5, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs.

On Deck

The Mets will have an off-day on Monday before traveling to Washington D.C. to take on the Nationals in a three game set beginning Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. ET. It appears Patrick Corbin will get the nod for the Nationals to begin the series. The Mets starting pitcher has not been officially named as of yet.