KC Medico, Staff 

The Philadelphia Phillies defeated their division rivals the New York Mets 5-4 in the first game of their series. Both teams are coming into this series with only one loss and are looking to get an early edge in the standings over their opponent. 

Many critics of the Phillies pointed out that they have two weaknesses: pitching and defense. Both were on display during the first three innings. In the first inning, the Phillies gave up three runs. Ranger Suarez, the starting pitcher for the Phillies, didn’t get much help from his defense, especially Alec Bohm. 

Alec Bohm had three errors during the game, a career high for him. His first error is what started the Mets to go on their 3-0 tear. 

After throwing 63 pitches, Suarez was pulled in the third inning for Nick Nelson. Nelson shined as he came in and pitched the next three innings without allowing a hit. Phillies manager Joe Giradi stated in his post-game interview “you know the guy that probably won’t get a ton of attention is Nick Nelson. The job that he did, I mean he saved our bullpen… He did a tremendous job.”

In the top of the seventh Nelson walked James McCann who would eventually steal second base, however, Nelson was able to get lineouts on the next two hitters. Giradi figured it was time for pitcher Seranthony Dominguez to take the mound as Nelson threw 45 total pitches. With a runner on second, shortstop Francisco Lindor would pull the ball into right field which would score McCann to put the Mets up 4-0. The Phillies needed a miracle and it would eventually come in the bottom eighth inning and started by none other than Alec Bohm. 

Bohm, who struggled early on defensively, would shine with the bat. Bohm was able to start the rally by getting walked to first. Bohm would finish the game with a double and two walks. Phillies subbed Johan Carmargo for Matt Vierling and would single to right to bring Bohm to third. With Schwarber bringing the top of the order to the plate he grounded to a fielder’s choice at second. The play would bring Bohm home to make the score 4-1. 

Up came J.T. Realmuto, and with a man on first, blasted one into left field for a two run shot cutting the deficit to one. Bryce Harper, after swinging out, would leave the Phillies with two outs. Nick Castellanos took a walk which left Rhys Hoskins to send a line drive down the left side which would bring Castellanos home and Hoskins to second. With a tie ballgame shortstop, Didi Gregorous would send a ball into the gap making the game 5-4 Phillies. With a fist-pump at second and the fans at Citizens Bank Park roaring, all the Phillies would have to do is rely on their defense and pitching. With Segura going out swinging, Brad Hand was brought in to save the Phillies. 

Brad Hand and the Phillies were able to put away the Mets with ease in the final innings of the game, winning the first game of their four game series. With such a heated rivalry, the rest of the series will be must watch TV.