NEW YORK — Sometimes, small moments define a game’s outcome. On Wednesday, Starling Marte had a chance to secure a 4-3, 10-inning victory for the New York Mets against the Philadelphia Phillies, culminating in a three-game sweep and an unmatched homestand, extending their lead in the NL East by five games.
This season, limited playtime hadn’t stopped Marte’s big impact. As he faced Jordan Romano’s curveball, his bat shattered into what he described later as “1,000 pieces.” The ball landed 192 feet into center field, and despite Cal Stevenson’s best efforts, he only managed to reach it following three bounces.
Pete Alonso, who began the play on second base, made a desperate but successful headfirst slide to home plate, touching down just in time. “That’s why you run like hell and slide just in case,” Alonso commented.
The Mets, with their early two-run lead initially squandered, extended their winning streak to seven games and completed a homestand with a 7-0 record. Early in the season, they boast the major leagues’ top record at 18-7 and an impressive 12-1 home start.
“This is a really close-knit group,” Alonso shared, noting the camaraderie from players returning from previous seasons, complemented by newcomers who seamlessly fit into the team dynamic. “It’s like we’ve been playing together for years.”
Philadelphia, resting at 13-12 after four straight losses, faced a challenging path. Recalling a previous four-game defeat against the Mets in last October’s NL Division Series, Phillies star Bryce Harper remarked, “We have to be better,” urging his team to unite on strategy.
The matchup unfolded with dramatic turns—a disputed balk, an escape from a bases-loaded jam, and revelations about an All-Star closer’s physical quirk. Brett Baty, working to secure his position with the potential return of Jeff McNeil, hit a two-run homer in the second inning, marking his first since May 25, against Zack Wheeler.
Trea Turner and Johan Rojas leveled the score in the fourth with singles against David Peterson. In the eighth, Juan Soto held the potential go-ahead run in check, with Nick Castellanos stopped from scoring from second base due to Max Kepler’s single that deflected off Luisangel Acuña’s glove.
Rookie catcher Hayden Senger made a critical play, reaching for Soto’s off-cue throw and tagging Castellanos at the plate. Unsure of Castellanos’ location, he confirmed possession of the ball post-tag. Phillies manager Rob Thomson unsuccessfully challenged the play’s timing.
In the 10th inning, Nick Castellanos edged the Phillies ahead, 3-2, with an RBI single off All-Star closer Edwin Díaz—who exited shortly due to a left hip cramp. Initially called for a balk on a third pitching disengagement, Díaz was relieved of the penalty due to his injury.
Mets’ training staff had previously treated Díaz’s complaint about uneven leg length, a symptom quickly corrected.
Max Kranick, stepping in with an unfavorable count, handled the tight situation, walking J.T. Realmuto before conceding a single to Alec Bohm, which loaded the bases. Kranick retired Bryson Stott and Kepler, ending the scoring threat.
Reviving the game, Alonso’s one-out double off Romano tied it, adding his NL-leading 26th RBI. Subsequently, Brandon Nimmo received an intentional walk. Despite Mark Vientos striking out, Marte secured the win with a decisive single.
Marte, a seasoned player with two All-Star titles at age 36, expressed his delight: “It feels really good to see the team smile and to come together in a win like that.”