The New York Mets continued their late-game postseason heroics, overcoming a dominant performance by Phillies starter Zack Wheeler to win Game 1 of the National League Division Series 6-2. The Mets’ bats erupted for five runs in the eighth inning against the Phillies’ bullpen, silencing the home crowd at Citizens Bank Park.
Wheeler was nearly untouchable for seven innings, striking out nine and allowing only one hit. However, once he exited the game, the Mets offense found new life. Mark Vientos tied the game with an RBI single, and Brandon Nimmo gave the Mets the lead with another RBI single. The Mets added three more runs on a pair of sacrifice flies and a pinch-hit RBI single by J.D. Martinez.
The Mets bullpen was equally impressive, holding the Phillies to just one run after Wheeler’s departure. Reed Garrett pitched two perfect innings, and Phil Maton worked around a pair of hits to escape a jam in the eighth. Ryne Stanek allowed an RBI double to Johan Rojas but closed out the game for the Mets. This bullpen performance was crucial in securing the victory and highlighted the Mets’ depth.
Prior to the eighth-inning explosion, the game was a pitching duel. Kodai Senga, making his return from a calf injury, started for the Mets and allowed one run on a solo home run to Kyle Schwarber in the first inning. Senga pitched two innings and struck out three batters.
David Peterson followed Senga with three scoreless innings, showcasing the Mets’ strong pitching staff. Peterson effectively navigated through traffic on the basepaths, allowing only one hit and three walks while striking out three. This bridge to the later innings proved invaluable for the Mets.
The Phillies’ offense struggled to generate much against the Mets’ pitching staff beyond Schwarber’s home run. They managed only six hits and struck out a total of 14 times. The inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities ultimately cost them the game.
This late-inning comeback victory for the Mets sets the tone for the rest of the NLDS and puts pressure on the Phillies to respond in Game 2. The Mets demonstrated their resilience and offensive firepower, highlighting their potential to make a deep playoff run. While the Phillies Score Today Live updates showed a close game for much of the contest, the Mets ultimately prevailed.
