The Mets couldn’t find an answer for Aaron Nola and dropped a 1-0 decision to the Phillies on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park, continuing their struggles in tight contests. New York has now dropped 11 of its last 13 one-run games and sits eight games behind first-place Philadelphia in the NL East.
Nola, who entered the game battling inconsistency, silenced the Mets over six scoreless innings, scattering three hits with two walks while striking out seven.Â
Rookie Nolan McLean held his own for New York, limiting the Phillies to one run across 5.1 innings. The right-hander allowed seven hits and three walks but managed five strikeouts, suffering his first career loss despite maintaining a stellar 1.42 ERA.
The Mets had their best chance in the ninth when Pete Alonso singled and Mark Vientos doubled to put the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position. But Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez struck out to end the rally, with Alvarez chasing pitches well out of the zone. Alonso finished 2-for-4 with a double, but the rest of the lineup mustered just three hits.
Gregory Soto, Brooks Raley, and Ryan Helsley combined for 2.2 shutout innings.
Box Score | NL East Standings | NL Wild Card Standings
The series continues Tuesday at 6:45 p.m., with Sean Manaea set to face Ranger Suárez.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].