Death by 2-run shots: Mets 6, Phillies 2

Sunday signified the end to a four-game set against the division rival New York Mets. It was also the conclusion to the Phillies annual Alumni Weekend.

This Alumni Weekend was much different than the previous ones, however, as it came just a short time after the passing of Wall of Fame member Darren Daulton. Segments of the pre- and post-game shows were dedicated to Daulton, and the Phillies honored him with multiple video tributes as well as a number 10 behind home plate.

A lot happened in the series finale so let’s get to it.

Zach Eflin was making his second start since returning to the Phillies rotation and he faced off against Chris Flexen.

Michael Conforto hit his third home run of the series in the 1st inning, this one being a 2-run shot, to give the Mets a 2-0 lead just three batters into the game.

The Phillies then loaded the bases in the 1st inning for Rhys Hoskins. He grounded into a double play that scored Cesar Hernandez, but upon review Hoskins was deemed safe at first base. That turned the play into a fielder’s choice, giving Hoskins his first career RBI.

New York then took a 4-1 lead on their second 2-run home run of the game, this one courtesy of Curtis Granderson in the 5th inning.

Then the home half of the 5th rolled around and, well, it got a little weird. Freddy Galvis led off with a single, Odubel Herrera drew his second walk of the game, and Rhys Hoskins singled to right for his first career major league hit. Take a look at the knock and the reaction:

Absolutely priceless.

So following the Hoskins single, the bases were loaded with no one out for Nick Williams. Williams skied one to Conforto in center, but Galvis, who was on third base, did not tag on the play. It’s up for debate on whether Freddy could have scored on the fly ball, but I personally would have given him a good chance at it. The throw from Conforto bounced in and seemed to get away from Mets catcher Travis d’Arnaud, but in reality only trickled a foot or less away from him. Herrera, who was on second, thought the ball got away and began running to third, thinking that Galvis had also taken off for home. Freddy did not take off for home, however, and both he and Odubel ended up on third before Odubel was tagged out.

This situation is tough to assess when it comes to the blame game. If Galvis had tagged, would he have been able to score? Was the decision not to tag made by Freddy or third base coach Juan Samuel? Given those factors, how much of the blame should be placed on Odubel?

Nevertheless, that play took the situation from bases loaded with no outs to runners on first and third with two outs and no runs scored. Galvis would eventually score on a wild pitch to make the score 4-2, but it was a really big missed opportunity for the Phils.

Then in the 7th, Edubray Ramos allowed a pair of RBI singles to Granderson and Wilmer Flores. Those brought the score to 6-2 in favor of the Mets, which turned out to be the final.

Some quick notes:

• The Mets improved their record to 9-4 against the Phils this season
• Odubel extended his hit streak to 16 games
• Jorge Alfaro picked up two more hits and is hitting .385, albeit SSS
• Here’s a GIF of John Kruk eating a really big cheeseburger

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!