On the strength of a clutch three-run homer by backup catcher Anthony Recker, the Mets beat the Philadelphia Phillies by a score of 5-3 this afternoon at Citizens bank Park.
Jon Niese started for the Mets and went seven innings allowing just two runs on five hits, while walking three and striking out five. His one miscue was letting up a two run homer by left fielder Darin Ruff. A solid effort by Niese after a few rough outings in his previous three starts.
After Buddy Carlyle got the first two outs in the eighth, Terry Collins called on Jeurys Familia to get the final out. But things got interesting in the ninth when Familia let up what first appeared to be a two-run homer by Chase Utley to bring the Phillies within a run. However the umpires ruled fan interference and it ended up being a one-run double. Familia got Ben Revere to pop out for the final out.
In addition to the big hit by Recker, the Mets received solid performances from Daniel Murphy who went 2-for-4 including his 33rd double of the season, and Matt den Dekker who also doubled and walked while driving in a run and scoring another.
Wilmer Flores collected a key hit and scored on Recker’s home run, and Juan Lagares walked, stole a base and scored a run.
The Mets only had seven hits, but they made them count…
Lagares was also responsible for a key play on defense, gunning down Domonic Brown at the plate by a mile.
Win or lose, I’m enjoying watching these games now that we are committed to playing the younger players and seeing what we have. The games take on a sense of purpose that wasn’t there previously.
Up Next: The Mets take three of four from the Phillies and head home to face the Washington Nationals on Tuesday at 7:10 PM. It’s not yet known who will start for the Mets in place of Jacob deGrom, however the odds are it will be Rafael Montero (0-2, 5.40). He will oppose right-hander Doug Fister (11-3, 2.49) for the Nationals.
