The Mets blew a late lead but recovered to edge the Phillies, 6-5, on Tuesday night at Citi Field, thanks to Brandon Nimmo’s walk-off single. The win extended New York’s home dominance over Philadelphia to nine straight victories.
Sean Manaea started strong, striking out four through two innings and working around early baserunners. But once again he couldn’t get through the fifth, departing after allowing runners on the corners. Gregory Soto entered and walked Kyle Schwarber before Bryce Harper put the Phillies ahead with a two-run single. Manaea’s line closed at two runs, six hits, and eight strikeouts in 4.2 innings, leaving his ERA at 5.01.
The Mets answered quickly in the bottom half. Juan Soto tied it with an RBI knock, Pete Alonso drove a two-run double into the gap, Mark Vientos added a run-scoring single, and Nimmo lifted a sacrifice fly to finish off a five-run rally that chased starter Jesús Luzardo, who was ejected on his way off the mound.
Philadelphia clawed back, with Harrison Bader blasting a two-run home run off Ryan Helsley in the eighth to even things at five. However, Edwin Díaz came on in relief of Helsley and recorded five outs, striking out four and keeping the game tied at five heading into the bottom of the ninth.
Starling Marte and Alonso opened the inning with sharp singles, Brett Baty followed with a bloop hit, and Nimmo came through with his fifth career walk-off RBI to seal it.
Box Score | NL Wild Card Standings
The Mets (71-61) go for the three-game sweep of the Phillies (76-56) on Wednesday night with Nolan McLean making his third big-league start against Philadelphia’s Taijuan Walker. The first pitch is set for 7:10 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].