Philadelphia
In many respects, this was the top-tier team for the Mets.
Nolan McLean, who has made five starts in his career, is making a solid case for being the starter in Game 1 of the postseason. Behind him, Carlos Mendoza had some of the best arms ready to go, including Gregory Soto, Brooks Rally, and Ryan Healthley, all looking poised to turn the tide. If the team held any hope of reversing their fortunes in the division, this opener was crucial.
At a time when the Mets could at least pull ahead in the wild card race, Mendoza seemed determined to make that happen.
No significant messages were highlighted in the lineup.
After rolling through August as the top team, the offense hit a snag, managing only eight hits over the last two games.
On Monday night at Citizens Bank Park, five hits (and no runs) against the Phillies resulted in a tough 1-0 loss.
Despite strong performances by Aaron Nola and the Phillies’ bullpen, the Mets finally began to rally in the ninth against Joan Duran.
Pete Alonso got a single in the middle, followed by Mark Bientos’ double as they tried to create some potential scoring opportunities.
Yet, the Mets’ best contact hitter, Jeff McNeill, struggled against a fastball clocked at 101.9 mph. Francisco Alvarez then faced three pitches without making contact, leading the Mets (76-68) to their third consecutive defeat, falling behind the Giants and Reds by 3½ games in the wild card chase.
The performance from McLean wasn’t ideal. Although not at his sharpest, it was his fifth start and he still managed to leave an impression.
He allowed one run on seven hits along with three walks over 5¹/₃ innings, navigating tough situations, which showcased his skill.
The Mets initially pressured Nola (who pitched six scoreless innings) in the second inning with McNeill’s single and Brett Baty’s hit, getting runners on the corners.
But the struggling Cedric Mullins flailed at the knuckle curves. A center fielder, who was losing playing time to Tyrone Taylor before the latter’s injury, found himself in a tight spot, with a lack of production recently.
In the eighth inning, left-handed pitcher Matt Strahm faced Mendoza, who took out pinch hitter Louis Sanger Acuña. Acuña had only played sparingly since joining the team on September 1st.
The Phillies only needed one run to seal the game, which came in the second inning. Max Kepler singled and advanced to third after Harrison Bader was thrown out trying to stretch his hit into a double, scoring on a single from Nick Castellanos.
