In their first home game in 16 days, the New York Mets took charge of the National League Division Series with a 7-2 victory over the Phillies on Tuesday, placing Philadelphia on the verge of elimination.
New York now holds a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4 on Wednesday at Citi Field, where they have a chance to secure the franchise's first NLCS appearance since 2015. Meanwhile, the NL East champion Phillies will look to keep their season alive and force the series back to Citizens Bank Park.
"The atmosphere was absolutely incredible," Mets first baseman Pete Alonso said in an interview with SNY after the game. "The fans were electric from pitch one to the last out, and we need more of that tomorrow."
Solo home runs from Pete Alonso in the second inning and Jesse Winker in the fourth gave the Mets an early lead. However, it was Starling Marte's two-run single in the seventh that delivered a crucial blow, allowing the Mets to extend their advantage to 4-0 despite a bases-loaded, nobody-out situation for the Phillies. Infielder José Iglesias then provided additional insurance with a two-RBI single later in the seventh.
Mets starter Sean Manaea was outstanding in the victory, pitching into the eighth inning after throwing seven scoreless frames before handing it over to the bullpen. With the Mets leading 6-0, the Phillies managed to score two runs in the top of the eighth and even brought the tying run to the on-deck circle. However, the Mets escaped further trouble and added another run to seal their victory.
