Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Max Kepler (17) hits a two RBI single against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
PHILADELPHIA – It was a crisp night in South Philadelphia on Wednesday as the Philadelphia Phillies (86-60) had an opportunity to earn the series victory in game three of their four game set against the New York Mets (76-70).
They would do so in emphatic fashion, erasing the bad taste left in their mouths after the last time these teams faced off – an ugly sweep at the hands of the Mets up in New York. A series win on an 11 – 3 victory is the perfect mouth wash.
It was the Phillies offense who struck first, putting up a crooked number in the first inning. They would go on to leave a zero in just three frames of the score book, scoring multiple runs in an inning three times.
The outfield platoon, or rotation, or whatever you want to call it, is working – and the men who played tonight carried the offense. Cristopher Sánchez threw a gem to redeem himself against the team who’s given him the most problems this season.
Plenty of hits, strong pitching, and a series victory – Notes and Quotes from Citizens Bank Park
Phillies outfield leads the way
Brandon Marsh, Harrison Bader, and Max Kepler were charged with manning the outfield Wednesday night. Bader was leading off for the second night in a row, something he hadn’t done since September 8 & 9 back in 2023. He followed last night’s big game with another, starting hot with a hit to start the game. Marsh, who missed the last two contests with the flu, returned to the lineup with three hits. Max Kepler did something he hadn’t done in nearly a decade! Let’s take a look at their lines:
Harrison Bader: 2-for-5, 2B, 2 runs, HBP
Max Kepler: 3-for-4, HR, 5 RBIs, 1 run, HBP
Brandon Marsh: 3-for-5, 2B, 2 RBIs, 2 runs
Manager Rob Thomson spoke about the impact Bader has had on this club since being acquired from the Minnesota Twins:
“The addition of Bader’s really helped. And it’s doing a couple of things – I mean he’s he’s hot right now and he’s getting on base, he’s swinging the bat, plays a good defense. And, it gives other guys a day off, and I think that at this time of year, I think that’s beneficial to them.”
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader (2) hits a double during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The team totaled 14 hits and only four for extra bases. Three of those came from the outfielders. Marsh has two consecutive starts with 3+ hits. This is the first time he’s done that since August of 2021. Kepler recorded a season high five RBIs. This is the third time he’s reached that mark or better in a game, and the first since he did so back on August 1, 2016.Harrison Bader’s double in the second frame gave him 21 on the season, and moved his extra-base hit total to 38 – both tying career highs.
Thomson also spoke about the turnaround we have seen from Max Kepler – a guy who seemingly went from the chopping block to regular playing time in the matter of six weeks.
I think he’s getting the ball up in the air. Truthfully, and he’s pulling the ball when he needs to, he’s hitting the ball the other way when he needs to, and he’s got his confidence,” the manager explained. He continued, “I’ve talked about it in the last couple of years, you have to really believe in the back of a guy’s baseball card and that it’s gonna happen at some point.
“I talked to him right before, maybe it was after the second half, and I said, ‘You’re in a good spot, we believe in you, you’re gonna have a really good second half, just keep grinding, keep working. It’s gonna be fine.’
Sánchez shoves – what else is new?
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez (61) throws a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
After a disappointing outing, possibly his worst of the season, in Citi Field a week and a half ago, Sánchez looked like a guy out for revenge. He kept the Mets’ hitters off balance all night, generating 11 whiffs – mostly with his change-up. The left-hander only surrendered one run on four hits and one walk, striking out six. Here’s what his manager had to say about his performance:
“His changeup was really good tonight. It was better than the last time (against the Mets). He had 11 whiffs. He had a little trouble in the 4th inning and worked out of it, only giving up one run, so it shows his poise and his character. He had a good night”
In the process, he extended his homer-less streak to 54 1/3 innings, according to the Phillies stats team. This is the second-longest homer-less streak of his career and the third time he’s had a 50+ inning streak of this kind, one of which came earlier this season. Per Elias, he is the first Phillie to have three homer-less streaks of 50 innings or more since John Denny in April of 1985.
Other Phillies notes
Bryce Harper added a home run, giving him 25 on the season. He is one of 10 active players to have seven or more 25+ HR seasons.
Kyle Schwarber scored a run, giving him 100 on the year. Per Elias, he is one of only three Phillies to score 100 runs in their first four or more seasons with the team, alongside Sam Thompson (1889-96) and Billy Hamilton (1890-95). Schwarber is only the eighth Phillie to score 100 runs in four straight seasons.
Philly won their 31st series of the season. This is the sixth time they have done so in franchise history. They still have a chance at a sweep tomorrow night. Jesús Luzardo (13-6, 4.01 ERA) will face off opposite David Peterson (9-5, 3.72 ERA). Game starts at 7:15 and will air on Fox.