Philadelphia Phillies-New York Mets: Phils Mistakes Lead to Controversial Ending

The New York Mets defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 4-3 in 12 innings at Shea Stadium to win the series after losing the opener. 

Jorge Sosa got the win for the Mets, pitching to one batter in the top of the 12th. Tom Gordon took the loss for the Phillies.

Once again, the game came down to missed offensive opportunities.

The Phillies were 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position. This includes opportunities in the seventh and eighth innings when the first three runners reach base before the Phils were retired in order.

The Phils left 13 runners on base against a struggling Mets bullpen.

Eaton gave the team his second consecutive strong start, giving up three runs over six innings. The bullpen pitched well, giving the Phils five shutout innings, before Reyes scored on an Angel Pagan game-winning single to center.

It probably was six shutout innings for the Phillies bullpen as television replays showed conclusive visual evidence that Chris Coste applied the tag before Reyes touched the plate.  

With that said, the Phils should have won the game before that point and not put the umpire in a position to decide the outcome.

Eric Bruntlett is playing shortstop while reigning National League MVP Jimmy Rollins heals from a left ankle sprain suffered in Tuesday’s series opener.

Bruntlett went 0-for-6 over the last two games, leaving seven runners on base. He also committed two errors that contributed to the Mets’ six-run third inning on Wednesday night. On Thursday, he failed to get a key sacrifice bunt down in the seventh inning.

If Bruntlett is going to be the starting shortstop he must improve his level of play.

Despite getting tagged with the loss in the 12th inning, Gordon looked sharp in an outing for the first time all season. If he can consistently have the type of command he showed in Thursday’s finale, he may have turned the corner in his early season struggles.