Castellanos' Walk-off Single Lifts Phillies Over Mets 7-6; NLDS Tied 1-1

Oct 6, 2024, 11:08 PM

The New York Mets staged a late-game rally to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 in Game 1 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) on October 5, 2024. Despite a strong performance from Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler, who allowed only a bloop single from Kyle Schwarber in the third inning before the next 19 Phillies failed to collect a hit, the Mets overcame a 2-1 deficit with a five-run eighth inning, marking their third consecutive come-from-behind victory in the postseason. Mark Vientos contributed significantly, hitting a key home run. Phillies manager Rob Thomson experienced his first Game 1 loss in the postseason. In Game 2 on October 6, the Phillies responded with a dramatic 7-6 walk-off win to tie the series at one game apiece. The game featured multiple lead changes and late-inning heroics. Nick Castellanos, who had been struggling earlier and faced boos from the home crowd, hit a game-tying homer in the sixth inning, made a highlight-reel diving catch in right field, and delivered the walk-off single in the ninth. Bryce Harper also homered, narrowly missing a walk-off homer in the ninth inning. The Mets continued their late-game magic with Mark Vientos hitting two home runs, including a two-run homer in the ninth to tie the game. Bryson Stott hit a go-ahead triple in the eighth inning. The series now shifts to New York for Game 3 scheduled on Tuesday.