The Mets couldn't complete the sweep of the Phillies in yet another close game between the struggling franchises. Mike Baxter led off the game with a solo home run and Scott Hairston added a solo blast in the second inning against Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick, but the Mets' offense struggled thereafter. Kendrick looks so hittable, year-after-year, yet there he is today throwing 7.2 innings with 6 strikeouts and no walks.

Jon Niese was mediocre, lasting six innings while giving up three runs on nine hits. It reminded of last night's performance by Matt Harvey, in that he wasn't generating swinging strikes and pitched with runners on base for much of his outing. The Phillies scored a run in each of the third, fourth, and fifth innings, with Ryan Howard's sacrifice fly in the fifth inning the decisive run.

Jonathan Papelbon drilled Justin Turner in the head with two outs in the ninth inning but retired Josh Thole on a ground out to secure the victory. Terry Collins mentioned in the postgame Q & A that Turner is doing fine. Papelbon might hold the title of douchiest Phillie now that Shane Victorino is gone. Jimmy Rollins, who was removed from this game for again failing to hustle, is also a strong contender.

We knew it was over when...

Thole grounded out to end the game.

What else?

• Ramon Ramirez and Robert Carson each threw a scoreless inning, striking out a combined three batters.
• Thole is mired in an 0-for-25 slump. His slash line is .238/.298/.292. Compare to the average National League catcher line of .251/.323/.404.

Game Thread Roll Call

Nice job by Steve Sypa; his effort in the game thread embiggens us all.