Terrific Offense Leads Mets Past Phillies 10-6, Capture Another Series

The New York Mets concluded their second series of the season with the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field on Sunday night. Entering the game the Mets were gunning for a team-record seventh consecutive series win to begin the season. Well, they successfully did so as they defeated Zach Eflin and the Philadelphia Phillies 10-6. This thanks to a terrific effort from the offense, led by Dominic Smith and Jeff McNeil.

Max Scherzer began the game scorching-hot. He struck out the first five Phillies’ batters. However, Kyle Schwarber hit his 15th career home run against the Mets. The solo-shot that barely cleared the left field fence gave Philadelphia the 1-0 lead.

Luckily, the Mets responded right away. An infield single by Eduardo Escobar and bloop-hit by Smith set the table for Starling Marte. Marte grounded out to plate Escobar, then Luis Guillorme crushed a 403 foot double to center field. The Mets took the 2-1 lead headed to the third inning.

The game would remain without another run until the top of the fourth inning. Schwarber struck again for his 16th career home run against New York. This time it did more damage, as it was a two-run shot. As they did previously, New York answered right back. Escobar singled once more, and then Smith also picked up his second hit of the game. This time it was a run-scoring double to tie the ballgame back up at three.

The Mets loaded the bases in the fifth inning via a Francisco Lindor single, a McNeil double, and a Pete Alonso intentional walk. Phillies’ manager Joe Girardi then made a move to remove Eflin in favor of José Alvarado. Alvarado, who got the Phillies out of the same jam on Saturday, did not have the same effect Sunday night.

A miscommunication between Alvarado and J.T. Realmuto led to a passed ball and a run scoring. Then, Smith registered his third hit of the game. He impressively shot a 102 MPH pitch, with two outs, right back up the middle to plate two more runs. Safe to say Smith has gotten sufficient revenge since Alvarado and he had a little dust up last season. The Mets led 6-3 going to the sixth.

Max Scherzer‘s night ended at 94 pitches after six innings. He allowed one more run courtesy of a long Bryce Harper home run. His final line read: 6 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 9 SO. For the first time this season, he was the victimized by the long-ball. He allowed three in the contest.

Joely Rodríguez got through a scoreless seventh inning, featuring a terrific Marte diving-grab on a 104 MPH Alec Bohm line-drive. Then, Seth Lugo also put together scoreless innings. Yoan López did give up a two-run home run after warnings were given by the umpires after Lopez hit Bohm with a pitch. This after Lindor was hit the previous inning. Something to monitor in Philadelphia this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Mets added some insurance. Alonso went the other way, as he has been doing so much recently, for a run-scoring single in the seventh inning. Marte then singled home two more runs in the same inning. The next inning McNeil drove in one more run for good measure for his fourth hit of the game.

In all, the Mets tallied 15 hits (tying a season-high) and scored 10 runs without a single home run. Impressive performance from a Mets’ offense that desperately needed it. Easily one of the unit’s best performances this season.

Player of the Game: Dominic Smith

Smith entered last night’s game with only six hits in 36 at-bats this season. Well, he woke up in a big way Sunday night. He went 4-for-4, including double, and drove in three runs. His five total bases was by far the most he’s had in a game this season. It was only the second time in his career he had a four-hit game. With roster-cuts coming soon, Smith made a big-time statement Sunday night.

On Deck:

The New York Mets continue their run of consecutive NL East opponents tomorrow against the Atlanta Braves. This is the first time the divisional rivals are set to meet this year. The four-game series, which includes a Tuesday doubleheader, will take place at Citi Field. The projected pitching matchup for game one tomorrow at 7:10 PM ET is Max Fried (3.00 ERA) versus Chris Bassitt (2.25 ERA).