PHILADELPHIA, PA - (10/7/2024) The Phillies delivered electricity to Citizens Bank Park Friday night, snatching a 7-6 victory from the jaws of defeat against the Mets in Game 2 of the NLDS. This nail-biting win evens the series at 1-1 and sends the momentum swinging firmly in Philadelphia's favor as the series shifts to New York.
It was a game of dramatic swings, both literally and figuratively. The Mets drew first blood, but the Phillies answered back, and the lead changed hands multiple times throughout the night.
Castellanos Delivers in the Clutch
The game culminated in a bottom-of-the-ninth showdown with the score knotted at 6. With the tension thicker than October fog, Nick Castellanos stepped up to the plate and etched his name into Phillies lore. His clutch single to left field brought home Trea Turner, igniting a euphoric eruption from the home crowd and sealing the Phillies' victory.
Castellanos' heroics were the exclamation point on a stellar performance. He finished the night 3-for-5 with a towering home run and 3 RBIs.
Offensive Fireworks Light Up the Night
The game was a slugfest, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower. Highlights included:
- Back-to-Back Bombs: Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos launched consecutive home runs in the 6th, erasing a Mets lead and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
- Stott's Triple Ignites the Rally: Bryson Stott's clutch triple in the 8th put the Phillies ahead 6-5, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.
- Vientos' Blast Keeps Mets Alive: Mark Vientos' 9th-inning homer for the Mets briefly silenced the crowd and tied the game, setting up Castellanos' heroics.
Pitching Duel Turns into Bullpen Battle
Cristopher Sanchez provided a solid foundation for the Phillies, pitching five innings and surrendering just two runs. The game transitioned into a bullpen battle, with both teams trading blows. José Alvarado and Craig Kimbrel came up big for the Phillies, shutting down Mets rallies and keeping their team in the game.
The series Shifts to New York
With the series now tied, the scene shifts to Citi Field for Game 3. Fueled by this thrilling victory and Castellanos' clutch performance, the Phillies will look to carry their momentum into hostile territory and take control of the series. This NLDS has already delivered high drama and excitement and promises to be a captivating battle.