This is the least upsetting loss in Philly in September I can ever remember. Lucas Duda’s two home runs aren’t enough to overcome Darin Ruf’s power, Odubel Herrera’s pesky consistency and the Philadelphia bullpen’s stinginess.
For all the Mets’ bluster — six hits and two walks in four and two-thirds innings off starter David Buchanan — the only run they could boast was Duda’s solo shot in the top of the fourth. By then, Ruf had already struck, getting the Phils off to a 3-0 lead with his own shot in the bottom of the first. There the score stayed until a small cluster of singles — including Herrera’s fourth hit of the night — with two out in the bottom of the seventh off new reliever Jon Niese gave Philadelphia the insurance run they would need when Duda clouted another four-bagger in the top of the ninth with a man on. The only other significant note was that this game saw the return of Carlos Torres, who delivered a solid eighth inning, including a strikeout.
If Duda stays hot, if Niese fits in the bullpen, if Torres gives manager Terry Collins another post-season relief option, then even a September loss to the Phillies could turn out a net positive.