Aug 6, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper (3) watches a fly ball in the first inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz thought he forced a pop-up to Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper during Fridays’ game, but it turned out to be a home run.
The Philadelphia Phillies were just half a game behind the New York Mets for first-place in the NL East entering Friday night. All they had to do was win to reach the top of the divisional standings. Bryce Harper helped them get closer to that goal.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Harper faced off against Mets closer Edwin Diaz with teammate Jean Segura on base with a 2-1 lead. Harper took a 98.5-mph two-seam fastball ad hit it deep over the center field fence to extend Philadelphia’s lead to 4-1. To make matters worse for Diaz, he pointed up to the sky upon contact, believing it was a pop-up.
Bryce Harper’s two-run homer helps seal Phillies win over Mets
That is just painful to see if you are a Mets fan. As for the Phillies faithful, they are overjoyed at what they witnessed.
The Mets did cut into their deficit in the top of the ninth inning on a solo home run by Mets third baseman Jonathan Villar. It was not enough, as Phillies trade deadline acquisition Ian Kennedy closed things up to give the team the victory and first-place in the NL East. This is now the first time since May 9 that the Mets are not at the top of the NL East standings.
Philadelphia will look to extend the division lead with wins in the next two games, while the Mets will look to retake first-place.