Alec Bohm recorded four hits and four RBIs, highlighted by a three-run homer, as the Philadelphia Phillies secured their third consecutive playoff spot with a commanding 12-2 victory over the New York Mets on Friday night.
Nick Castellanos contributed three hits and two RBIs, while J.T. Realmuto hit a two-run homer. The Phillies (92-62) increased their lead in the NL East to seven games over the second-place Mets (85-69), with just eight games remaining in the season.
With at least a National League wild card secured, the Phillies can clinch their first division title since 2011 with one more victory this weekend against the Mets at Citi Field.
The Phillies’ win, combined with Atlanta’s 4-3 loss in Miami, eliminated the Braves from the NL East race, ending their six-year dominance in the division.
The Mets, who had won four straight and 16 of their last 20, remain two games ahead of Atlanta for the final NL playoff spot. They started the night tied with Arizona for the second wild card, while the Diamondbacks played later in Milwaukee.
Philadelphia stole five bases, including four in a six-run fourth inning, highlighted by Bohm’s homer off reliever Adam Ottavino. Johan Rojas contributed a two-run double against starter David Peterson (9-3), who was pulled after just 64 pitches and 3 2/3 innings, his shortest outing of the season.
Cristopher Sánchez (11-9) battled through a rough start, issuing five walks in five innings to earn the win. The Phillies outhit the Mets 17-4.
Jose Iglesias hit his first career leadoff homer for New York, extending his hitting streak to 14 games.
With the division title within reach, Philadelphia planned a low-key celebration after Friday’s game, hoping for a more festive clubhouse party once they secure first place.
New York’s J.D. Martinez went 0-for-3 with a walk, extending his hitless streak to 31 at-bats.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Mets: SS Francisco Lindor (sore back) has missed five games and played just one inning in the past week. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted that Lindor felt better and planned to run and play catch before the game. If he feels good, he might return to the lineup Saturday. RHP Kodai Senga (strained left calf) will pitch no more than two innings and 30-35 pitches in a rehab outing Saturday for Triple-A Syracuse. If successful, he could come off the 60-day injured list and be available for a role on Friday against Milwaukee. C Francisco Alvarez and OF Tyrone Taylor were given the day off.
UP NEXT
All-Star lefty Ranger Suárez (12-7, 3.13 ERA) will pitch for Philadelphia on Saturday against Mets LHP Sean Manaea (11-5, 3.26), who has pitched at least 6 2/3 innings in his last seven starts.
