Andy Green secures 1st win since 2019 in Mets interim manager debut

The New York Mets rallied for a 6-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday night at Citi Field, giving interim manager Andy Green his first victory. The result ended New York’s seven-game losing streak and was Green’s first managerial win since 2019 after replacing Carlos Mendoza on Friday.

The game began after a 70-minute rain delay, and the Mets labored offensively through the opening five innings. Philadelphia built a 2-0 advantage in the third when Bryce Harper connected for a two-run home run off Christian Scott. It was Harper’s 43rd career homer against New York, the most by any active player.

Scott, making his first appearance since June 11 after missing 15 days with a right hip impingement, allowed three hits and two earned runs over 4 1/3 innings. The right-hander struck out six and walked two before turning the game over to the bullpen.

The Phillies used left-hander Tim Mayza as an opener before handing the ball to Alan Rangel. After entering in the second inning, Rangel retired 11 of the next 12 hitters and kept the Mets scoreless while Philadelphia maintained its lead.

Everything changed in the sixth inning. Juan Soto and Bo Bichette reached base with one out before Francisco Lindor drove a triple down the right-field line to score both runners and tie the game. The hit was Lindor’s first RBIs since April 22. The shortstop had returned only three games earlier after missing nearly two months with a left calf strain.

Following Lindor’s triple, Jared Young worked a walk, leading the Phillies to replace Rangel with Jonathan Bowlan. Mark Vientos then drew another walk to load the bases, setting the stage for AJ Ewing, who lined the first pitch he saw into center field for a two-run single that gave the Mets a 4-2 lead.

New York added insurance in the seventh inning. Carson Benge opened the frame with a single before Soto tripled to right-center, driving him home. Bichette followed with a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to four runs.

Soto, Bichette and Lindor, batting second through fourth in the lineup, combined to go 4-for-9 with two walks. Saturday was only the 11th game this season in which Soto and Lindor started together, as both players previously missed time with calf injuries. Soto had been sidelined earlier this year due to a right calf strain.

The Mets’ bullpen preserved the comeback with 4 2/3 scoreless innings. AJ Minter recorded five outs to earn the win, improving to 1-1. Huascar Brazobán and Luke Weaver followed before Devin Williams pitched the ninth inning for his 12th save of the season.

The victory improved New York to 35-48 and evened the series at one game apiece. Entering Saturday, the Mets sat 10 games behind the final National League Wild Card position, while the Phillies fell to 46-37.

The series concludes Sunday with Philadelphia left-hander Jesus Luzardo (6-4, 4.39 ERA) scheduled to face New York opener Cionel Perez (3-3, 4.99 ERA).

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