Max Kepler drops 5 RBI on the Mets as Phillies lower Magic Number to 7

The Phillies are officially in cruise control. Behind Max Kepler’s five-RBI outburst and another steady night from Cristopher Sánchez, Philly hammered the Mets 11-3 at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday night, dropping their magic number to seven in the NL East.

The win pushes the Phillies 10 games clear of the second-place Mets with just 16 left to play. New York, meanwhile, looks absolutely cooked, losers of five straight and now barely hanging on to a wild card spot.

Phillies National League East Lead at 10 Games:

The Max Kepler

Max Kepler has been a nice pickup since coming over at the deadline, but Wednesday night he went full throwback mode. He went 3-for-4 with a homer and five RBI, his biggest single-game total since 2016. By himself, he nearly matched the Mets’ entire offense.

MAX KEPLER ARE YOU KIDDING?! pic.twitter.com/nT2Hgy1V2M

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 11, 2025

Side Note: I know Max Kepler wasn’t a deadline pickup but you get the point…

Bryce Harper Joins the Fun

Bryce Harper decided to get in on the party too, crushing his 25th homer of the year off reliever Ryne Stanek. Add in Brandon Marsh’s three hits, two RBI, and two runs scored, and the Phillies had everything rolling offensively.

That ball was OBLITERATED pic.twitter.com/EMtr7c9a7s

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 11, 2025

Cristopher Sánchez: Steady as Ever

On the mound, Sánchez (13-5) kept his Cy Young season rolling. He gave up just one run on four hits over six innings, striking out four and lowering his ERA to 2.60.

Strong six from Sánchie pic.twitter.com/thXwW234NQ

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 11, 2025

Mets Still Can’t Get Out of Their Own Way

New York starter Clay Holmes (11-8) got pulled in the fifth, but not before walking three, hitting two batters, and watching Marsh rip a lefty-on-lefty double that broke the game open. Mets pitchers hit four Phillies in the game, which feels about right for a team unraveling at the seams.

pic.twitter.com/AUiT1CJ5lg

— Frank Fleming (@NjTank99) September 11, 2025

Harrison Bader Doing His Thing

Almost lost in the fireworks: Harrison Bader had another two-hit night. That’s now eight multi-hit games in his last 20, and he’s hitting well over .300 since putting on the red pinstripes.

From tormenting the Mets to sparking the Phillies, Harrison Bader is doing it all right now

What’s Next

The Phillies go for the four-game sweep Thursday night. Jesús Luzardo (13-6, 4.01 ERA) takes the ball against Mets lefty David Peterson (9-5, 3.72 ERA). Another win and that magic number could shrink real fast.

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