Quick Recap: Mets 3, Phillies 2 — Battle For Third Place Heats Up

Matt Harvey didn't have his best stuff but he made it through 6.1 innings while allowing just 2 runs and striking out 6. He sent the Phillies down 1-2-3 just once and frequently maneuvered his way through trouble. He also continued to rake at the plate, going 1-for-2 with an RBI single which tied the game 1-1 in the second inning. Harvey's K/BB ratio is now a splendid 49:17 in 42.1 innings pitched.

Lucas Duda provided the rest of the Mets' offense with a two-run home run off Phillies starter Tyler "Fliff" Cloyd. It was Duda's first home run since returning to the big leagues on Sunday; here's to several more through the end of the season. Duda also notched his first stolen base of the season and made a great catch on the left field warning track to end a Phillies rally in the fifth inning.

The Mets' bullpen held it down once again. Josh Edgin, Robert Carson, Jon Rauch, and Frank Francisco combined to pitch 2.2 perfect innings.

The Metsies are now tied with the Phillies for third place in the NL East. Both teams are 61-69, with tomorrow's afternoon affair an opportunity for each to gain the upper hand heading into September.

We knew it was over when...

Francisco struck out Erik Kratz to end the game. That's two clean saves in a row for the big guy.

What else?

• Both Ruben Tejada and David Wright went 0-for-5.
  
• Kelly Shoppach was on base twice, going 1-for-3 with a walk. However, he dropped a foul pop-up in the sixth inning with a runner on second base and one out. It didn't lead to any Phillies runs though, as Kevin Frandsen grounded out and Kratz struck out to end the frame.

Game Thread Roll Call

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