Final Score: Mets 2, Phillies 0-Happy Harvey Day

On a cold, damp night at Citi the Mets defeated the Phillies by a final score of 2-0. The playing conditions were not the greatest for Matt Harvey to begin what is hopefully a comeback season, but the former ace handled the Phillies brilliantly. In five innings of work he allowed only one hit and struck out five despite not having a blazing fastball. Unfortunately for Harvey, the Mets were also held scoreless while he was on the mound, so he left with a no decision, but it was still a promising first start for Harvey.

Manager Gabe Kapler did not pull his pitcher early and stuck with starter Ben Lively in the sixth. The crucial play came with Yoenis Cespedes on first and Jay Bruce up. Bruce hit a ground ball that should have been a double play, but with the shift on there was nobody to cover second so only Bruce was out. Todd Frazier made them pay and brought Cespedes home with a double, and Travis d’Arnaud added on when he singled home Frazier.

With Harvey out of the game it was up to the bullpen to keep the Phillies off the board. AJ Ramos was a little shaky, but the bullpen for the most part was superb. Seth Lugo in particular stood out. He pitched two perfect innings and struck out four Philadelphia batters.

It was then on Jeurys Familia to close the door and pick up the save and the win for the Mets. He allowed the tying runs to reach base but pinch hitter Andrew Knapp grounded out to preserve the shutout and win.

Full recap to follow.

GameThread Roll Call

Nice job by MetsFan4Decades; her effort in the GameThread embiggens us all.

1. MetsFan4Decades: 206
2. amazins8669: 154
3. Charlie Brown’s Baseball Team: 122
4. Allison McCague: 93
5. The Nameless One: 80
6. Kepler: 78
7. Knurk: 76
8. JR and the Off-Balance Shots: 76
9. LaRomaBella: 72
10. BK_Machetero3191: 60