The Philadelphia Phillies emerged victorious in the opening game of Major League Baseball's third London Series, defeating the New York Mets 7-2. The game was highlighted by Bryce Harper's impressive performance and celebratory soccer slide after hitting a tying home run.
Harper's home run sparked a six-run fourth inning for the Phillies, with Whit Merrifield also contributing a three-run homer. The Phillies, boasting the best record in the major leagues at 45-19, have now won four consecutive games and seven of their last eight.
Philadelphia's Ranger Suárez became the first pitcher this season to reach 10 wins, pitching 5 2/3 innings and allowing two runs on eight hits. Manager Rob Thomson secured his 200th regular-season win with the Phillies.
Nick Castellanos added to the Phillies' lead with a home run in the eighth inning, further solidifying their dominance in the game. The Mets, who had won their previous three games, struggled to contain the Phillies' offensive prowess.
Despite the Mets' efforts, including a strong performance by Starling Marte, they were unable to overcome the Phillies' lead. The game saw moments of excitement, including Harper's celebratory slide and declaration of love for soccer.
The Phillies' victory in London marked their first game played outside North America, adding a unique element to the matchup. The Mets, serving as the home team for the game, will look to bounce back in the series finale on Sunday.
With the temperature at 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 Celsius) during the game, pitchers hoped for cooler weather to prevent high-scoring affairs. Both teams displayed competitive spirit, with the Phillies ultimately emerging as the dominant force on the field.
Looking ahead, the Phillies' Taijuan Walker is set to face the Mets' Jose Quintana in the upcoming game, as both teams aim to secure a series victory in London.
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