NEW YORK — Carlos Mendoza managed Friday night’s fourth inning like a playoff game. And it backfired on him and the Mets . Philadelphia ’s 12-2 romp over New York pivoted during that six-run outburst.
The Phillies had scored twice in the fourth to take a 4-2 lead, and they had a runner on third base with two outs after David Peterson popped up Kyle Schwarber . That’s when Mendoza came out of the dugout to remove Peterson and insert Adam Ottavino to face Trea Turner . Advertisement “Surprised,” Peterson said about the move.
“That’s his decision. All good, and we’re on to the next one.” The decision to remove Peterson felt quick in the moment but was justified by the quality of contact against him.
Following a 1-2-3 first inning, the Phillies had gone 8-for-15 off Peterson with most of those balls hit especially hard. Six balls in play in that stretch were hit at 99 mph or harder off Peterson, and all three Philadelphia hits in the fourth were hit at 106 mph or harder. “They were putting together some really good at-bats,” Mendoza said.
“They were putting the barrel on the ball.” PHI 12 NYM 2 Final For the Mets, at least Atlanta lost, too. The Mets are 85-69.
— Tim Britton (@TimBritton) September 21, 2024 Peterson was charged with five runs on those eight hits in 3 2/3 innings. It was his second straight start against Philadelphia — something else that might happen in the postseason. “It’s not easy, but that’s part of being a big leaguer,�.