Juan Soto Powers Mets Past Phillies with Two Homers and Late Surge

In a thrilling showdown at Citizens Bank Park, Juan Soto shone brightly, launching two home runs to propel the New York Mets to a 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday night. The Mets’ offense roared to life in the seventh inning, scoring three crucial runs that ultimately secured the win.

New York wasted no time establishing dominance against Phillies starter Aaron Nola. Soto kicked off the scoring with a solo home run in the first inning, following two outs. Jared Young reached base due to a fielding error by Nolan, which set the stage for A.J. Ewing to deliver with an RBI double, putting the Mets ahead early.

As the game progressed, Soto showcased his power again, launching his second home run of the night to lead off the third inning. Initially believing he had flown out, the wind had other plans, carrying the ball over the wall and further igniting the Mets’ offense.

On the mound, Sean Manaea faced challenges but managed to hold the Phillies to just one run in the early innings. Despite allowing a run on two hits and a hit batter, he benefited from a strike-’em-out-throw-’em-out double play executed by Francisco Alvarez, who caught Bryce Harper attempting to steal third. After a leadoff triple in the second, Manaea escaped without further damage, thanks in part to a groundout and a pop-up.

However, the third inning proved difficult for Manaea, as defensive missteps plagued the Mets. After Kyle Schwarber struck out but reached base on a passed ball, an Alvarez throwing error allowed him to advance to second. A remarkable sliding catch by Soto prevented Harper from doubling, but Carson Benge’s subsequent error on Alec Bohm’s flyball allowed Schwarber to score, tightening the game.

Manaea continued to battle, allowing a run on a two-out single from Derek Hill in the fourth but managed to complete five innings with a final line of three runs (two earned) on six hits, one walk, and five strikeouts before being pulled in the sixth.

In the seventh inning, the Mets capitalized on the Phillies’ bullpen. Eric Wagaman, coming off the bench, broke the 3-3 tie with a pinch-hit single that scored Benge. Marcus Semien then added to the lead with a two-run triple, extending New York’s advantage.

The Mets’ bullpen stepped up, allowing only one base runner in 2.2 innings of work. However, the ninth inning brought tension as Devin Williams allowed a one-out walk but quickly recorded two outs. A subsequent infield single from Gabriel Rincones Jr. and a looped single from Justin Crawford brought the Phillies’ fourth run across the plate, putting the pressure on with Kyle Schwarber at the plate. Schwarber hit a strong line drive to right field, but it was snagged by Brett Baty, securing Williams the save.

Bichette, who faced a chorus of boos for his offseason decision to join the Mets over the Phillies, ended the night 0-for-5. Semien’s pivotal two-run triple proved to be the difference in this tightly contested matchup.

The Mets will enjoy a day off on Friday before continuing their three-game series against the Phillies on Saturday evening, with first pitch set for 7:15 p.m. Freddy Peralta (5-5, 3.90 ERA) is expected to take the mound against Cristopher Sanchez (8-3, 1.82 ERA).

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.