Mets pitching stifles Phillies in 2-0 loss at Citizens Bank Park
The Phillies managed just five hits and never seriously threatened the Mets in a 2-0 loss last night at Citizens Bank Park. Schwarber, Harper, Castellanos, and Harper managed a combined 2-16 in what is becoming an early season trend in the Phillies losing efforts.
While everyone Twitter has a complete meltdown after just one baseball game in the middle of April, I assure you there’s literally no reason to panic. One bad game in cool weather is not even a blip on the radar. The Phillies’ bats, much like the weather, will heat up as we get into the summer months.
- Mets (4-2) Beat Phillies (3-2)
- Winning Pitcher: Tylor McGill (2-0)
- Losing Pitcher: Zack Wheeler (0-1)
- Save: Edwin Diaz (1)
Zack Wheeler struck out Robbie Cano in a long top half of the first inning after he loaded the bases by hitting two batters and walking a third. Wheeler, who was making his first appearance of the year after only throwing 45 pitches in an intrasquad matchup during Spring Training, finished the night throwing 4.2 innings, allowing a two hits, an earned run, and a walk, while striking out three.
Zach Wheeler, who badly needed an easy frame after throwing 27 pitches in the 1st inning, cruised through the 2nd with two strikeouts including this slider to get James McCann.
Bryson Stott was giving me major Chase Utley vibes with this nice grab during an easy 3rd inning in which Wheeler threw only 6 pitches.
After Wheeler struggled with command in the 1st inning, he really settled down, finishing with 65 pitches, 44 for strikes. His off speed stuff looked excellent and more importantly his velocity was normal after suffering arm issues early this year.
Brandon Nimmo —who runs funny because he’s from Wyoming — ended Zach Wheeler’s night with this solo shot that just snuck over the right field fence.
Mets 1-0
It feels like Brandon Nimmo should be labeled a ‘Certified Philly Killer’, but his career numbers aren’t actually thats terrific against the Phils. Just be happy that Michael Conforto is no longer playing in Flushing…
WHEELER: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Tylor Megill was just as good tonight as he was when he pitched the Mets to victory on Opening Day. Megill allowed a few guys to reach second base, but it felt like he was in control of the rhythm of the game. As a result, he was never seriously challenged or put under pressure.
Simon Muzziotti reached 2nd base with one out in the 6th inning and Schwarber and Realmuto were unable to advance him.
5.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Christopher Sanchez —much like Nick Nelson on Tuesday—was excellent in eating up innings after a short outing by the starter.
2.2 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 2 BB, 3 K
With Nelson and Sanchez the depth of the Phillies bullpen seems to be greatly improved over last years rag tag group that blew 35 saves.
Sanchez allowed Brandon Nimmo to walk, who was then driven in by a Francisco Lindor single off Connor Brogdon.
2-0 Mets courtesy of the green haired loser Francisco Lindor.
After last night’s debate on what Alec Bohm said to Didi Gregorius, only to learn that he did in fact say that he “fucking hates this place”, Bohm came up to bat in the bottom of the eighth inning as a pinch-hitter. We all figured this would be the case, (especially after selling hundreds of t-shirts), as Phillies fans greeted Bohm with a standing ovation.
Philly fans are the worst though. 🤨
After JT Realmuto and Nick Castellanos both reached on infield singles, Rhys Hoskins came up with the tying run on first base and 2 outs in the 9th inning. Unfortunately, Diaz was throwing 100 mph with a nasty slider and got Hoskins to chase three off speed pitches.
Up Next
The Mets managed just 3 hits on the night but made the Phillies look somehow worse to set up a series rubber match tomorrow afternoon. Aaron Nola (0-0) will make his season debut against Max Scherzer (0-0) with the first pitch scheduled for 1:05 pm.
NBC Sports Philadelphia carry the broadcast of the game.
Mandatory Credit: Getty Images
[…] Mets pitching stifles Phillies in 2-0 loss at Citizens Bank Park […]