Juan Soto powers Mets past Phillies

Juan Soto delivered another big offensive night Friday as the New York Mets defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 6-3 at Citi Field. The victory moved New York to 70-84, while Philadelphia fell to 85-69.

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Soto finished 3-for-5 with a double and a three-run home run, giving him his third game this season with at least three hits. He also recorded his third multi-extra-base-hit game of September, continuing a productive month at the plate.

The Mets jumped ahead in the first inning against Philadelphia opener Tim Mayza. Francisco Lindor opened the inning with a double before Bo Bichette followed with a single after working through a 10-pitch at-bat. Carson Benge then brought Lindor home with a single to right field.

After Mark Vientos drew a walk to load the bases, A.J. Ewing delivered another big hit, lining a double against Jose Urquidy that brought home two more runs and gave New York a 3-0 advantage.

Philadelphia answered in the second when Bryson Stott’s RBI double made it 3-1. Edmundo Sosa later added a solo home run in the sixth, but Mets starter Zac Thornton largely kept the Phillies in check. The rookie allowed two earned runs on four hits over six innings, striking out four and walking one.

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Soto provided separation in the bottom of the sixth, launching a 428-foot three-run homer off Orion Kerkering. His 26th home run of the season extended New York’s lead to 6-2.

Derek Hill’s solo homer in the seventh brought Philadelphia within three, but the Mets bullpen closed out the victory. Nate Lavender retired four straight batters before Dedniel Núñez recorded the final four outs, earning his first save of the season and the second of his career.

Box Score

The Mets and Phillies meet again Saturday at 4:10 p.m. at Citi Field. New York will start Christian Scott, while Philadelphia will counter with Andrew Painter. The Mets will also honor 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Carlos Beltrán.