The New York Mets rode a two-home run performance from Juan Soto and a pivotal seventh-inning rally to a 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday night at Citizens Bank Park. New York improved to 34-41 with its second straight win, while Philadelphia fell to 40-35 as the Mets opened a key division series with a road victory.
Soto wasted little time making an impact, launching a solo homer in the first inning before adding another blast to lead off the third. A.J. Ewing also contributed an RBI double in the opening frame as New York built an early advantage against Aaron Nola.
Sean Manaea battled through 5.1 innings in his second start of the season. The left-hander worked around early traffic and overcame a pair of defensive miscues, allowing three runs, two earned, on six hits while striking out five. Francisco Alvarez helped him escape the first inning by throwing out Bryce Harper attempting to steal third as part of a strikeout-double play.
After Philadelphia tied the game at 3-3, the Mets delivered the decisive blow in the seventh. Pinch-hitter Eric Wagaman lined a go-ahead RBI single before Marcus Semien ripped a two-run triple into the gap, extending the lead to 6-3.
The bullpen preserved the advantage from there. Huascar Brazobán, A.J. Minter and Luke Weaver combined for 2.2 strong innings, while Devin Williams worked through ninth-inning trouble to secure the save. The Phillies brought the tying run to the plate, but Kyle Schwarber lined out to right field to end the game.
The Mets are off Friday before continuing their series in Philadelphia on Saturday at 7:15 p.m. Freddy Peralta (5-5, 3.90 ERA) is scheduled to start for New York against Cristopher Sanchez (8-3, 1.82 ERA).
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.