Game Recap: Bullpen Spoils Harvey’s Final Start, Lose 3-2

In his final start before being shut down due to an innings limit, Matt Harvey pitched fantastic, throwing 7 innings of one-hit ball. It looked like he wouldn’t have to wait until 2013 to get his first win in front of the Citi faithful, but a late rally from the Phillies prevented that from happening.

Mets Offensive Highlights:

New York first got on the board in the third inning, which didn’t start well, as Andres Torres and Harvey were retired via the strikeout. Ruben Tejada hit his second single of the night, then stole his third base of the season in front of Daniel Murphy, who singled him home to tie the score. David Wright gave the Mets the lead in the sixth with his 18th homer of the season, and inched another base hit closer to Ed Kranepool’s franchise record. Like usual, New York had no problem putting base runners on (9 hits, 3 walks), but went 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position, stranding 10. Scott Hairston, Ike Davis, and Tejada all registered multi-hit games.

Sep 19, 2012; Flushing, NY,USA; New York Mets left fielder Scott Hairston (12) congratulates third baseman David Wright (5) on his home run during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-US PRESSWIRE

Phillies Offensive Highlights:

Jimmy Rollins wasted no time getting Philadelphia on the board, as he hit a leadoff home run in the top of the first, but that was all the offense the Phillies could muster for the majority of the night. It didn’t help that Juan Pierre and John Mayberry both hit into double plays. With two outs in the ninth, Chase Utley saw eight pitches on his way to earning a walk, bringing Ryan Howard up to the plate. He made that mistake hurt real bad, as he hit his 11th homer of the year, giving the Phillies a lead, and snatching the win from Matt Harvey away.

Pitching Highlights:

Before he is put in full shutdown mode, Matt Harvey gave fans something to think about all winter, as he went 7 innings (112 pitches) and allowed 1 run on 1 hit, 3 walks, and 7 strikeouts. After surrendering a gopher ball to start the game, Harvey didn’t allow another hit the rest of the way, as he finishes his seaosn with 70 strikeouts in 10 Big League starts. Bobby Parnell allowed a hit in the eighth, but escaped unscored upon, as he struck out 2 himself. Josh Edgin couldn’t close it out in the ninth, allowing the go-ahead homer to Howard, blowing the save opportunity. Jon Rauch relieved him and quickly struck out Carlos Ruiz to end the inning.

Cole Hamels also brought his A game to the mound tonight, but it wasn’t enough to give him a chance for the win. He went 6 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 10 hitters. The Mets had limited opportunities to score runs, but they made the most of them against the southpaw. Antonio Bastardo and Justion De Fratus combined to pitch a scoreless seventh, while Phillippe Aumont and Jeremy Horst combined for the eighth inning duties. Jonathan Papelbon made quick work of the Amazins en route to his 36th save of 2012.

Probable Pitchers Thursday:

Tyler Cloyd (1-1, 4.96 ERA) will take the hill for the Phillies in their final game against the Mets for 2012. Terry Collins will be sending Jeremy Hefner (2-6, 4.99 ERA) to the mound. First pitch at Citi Field is scheduled for 7:10pm.