PHIADELPHIA, PA - The New York Mets staged a dramatic comeback victory in extra innings, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 6-5 on Thursday night to avoid a four-game sweep in their home-and-home series.
Pete Alonso ignited the Mets' offense with his 10th home run of the season, a towering shot into the left field seats in the first inning. Despite an early lead, the Phillies rallied, taking the advantage with three runs across the sixth and seventh innings. However, the resilient Mets fought back, reclaiming the lead with two runs in the eighth.
Closer Edwin Díaz, who had struggled in recent outings, faltered once again, surrendering a run in the ninth to send the game into extra innings. But the Mets wouldn't be denied. In the eleventh, J.D. Martinez delivered a clutch go-ahead single, scoring automatic runner Francisco Lindor and sparking a two-run rally that ultimately secured the victory.
Jake Diekman, pitching in a high-pressure situation, earned his first season save, closing the game despite a late Phillies push. The Mets' win was only their second in seven games and came after a closed-door meeting led by rookie manager Carlos Mendoza.
While the loss marked only the fourth defeat for the Phillies in their last 20 games, it underscored the challenges faced by their bullpen, particularly with Díaz's recent struggles. The Phillies still maintain a commanding 10-game lead over the Mets in the NL East standings.
The two teams will now go their separate ways, with the Mets heading to Miami to face the Marlins and the Phillies hosting the Nationals.