Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets Post Game Recap 7-3

Final Score: Philadelphia Phillies: 1 New York Mets: 11

The Mets opened up their homestand on a very positive note, hammering the Phillies Tuesday night 11-1.  Even with centerfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis being scratched before game time because of a hand contusion, the Mets were still able to let it rip on offense.

After having a great June, going 3-1 with a 1.89 ERA, Jon Niese started July off on just as strong a note.

For a second start in a row, Jon Niese was handed a huge lead and was able to protect it.

Niese threw eight innings of one run ball, allowing only three hits and two walks.  He also added three strikeouts, with his only blemish coming off the bat of Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz, who hit a solo homerun leading off the 2^nd inning.

The Mets offense got off to an even faster start, scoring in the first inning off Vance Worley, who entered the game with a 2.92 ERA but did not leave with one as low.  A David Wright groundball scored Daniel Murphy after he tripled, which was a start to another outstanding hitting night for Murphy.  It was Wright’s 51^st RBI of the season, and he would get RBI’s 52, 53 and 54 in the 6^th inning, launching his 10^th homerun of the season off Phillies reliever Brian Sanches.

Murphy would add two doubles and a single to his night’s totals, also knocking in another four RBI’s tonight, bringing his season total to 42.  Murphy also had a highlight play at second base, making a leaping grab on a line drive.

Niese would help his own cause in the 2^nd inning, knocking in two Mets with a single.  The inning could have been blown open even more if not for Josh Thole and Ruben Tejada both being thrown out on the base paths. 

Ruben Tejada was thrown out at home, but continued his torrid pace at the plate.  Tejada went 3-5, knocking in one RBI and scoring twice.  His average now sits at .326 with a .377 on base percentage, a big reason why the Mets have been successful because Tejada has been setting the table in front of the middle of the order.

Next up for the Mets and Phillies is a 4^th of July matinee with the first pitch scheduled for 1:10 P.M. ET. Chris Young (2-1 3.30 ERA) will take the mound for the Mets against the Phillies’ Cliff Lee (0-5 4.13 ERA).