Lugo lifts Mets over Phillies

Seth Lugo got the Mets’ rotation its first win in more than three weeks, Phillies star Bryce Harper screamed in an umpire’s face after being ejected for arguing over a foul ball, and New York beat Philadelphia 5-1 Saturday night.

In his third start since moving out of the bullpen, Lugo (22) pitched five innings of onerun ball and tied a career high with eight strikeouts. He ended a stretch of 19 games for the Mets without a starter earning a victory, which matched a franchise record set in 1980.

Andrés Giménez had two RBIs in his bid to steal the starting shortstop job from Amed Rosario. Jeff McNeil hit two doubles, and Michael Conforto added two hits and an RBI as New York snapped a sixgame skid against Philadelphia.

Rhys Hoskins homered in the first inning, but the Phillies’ five-game winning streak ended as they lost for only the second time in 12 games. Rookie right-hander Spencer Howard (1-2) allowed three runs in four innings, and reliever Ranger Suarez permitted another two runs.

Harper was tossed in the fifth by first base umpire Roberto Ortiz. The lefthanded hitter ripped a firstpitch curveball from Lugo down the first base line, and Ortiz ruled the ball was foul. Harper put his hands on his head as he glared down the line before resuming the at-bat.

After grounding to third for the final out of the inning, Harper began arguing with Ortiz. Phillies second baseman Neil Walker tried to restrain Harper, and Ortiz warned Philadelphia’s $330 million slugger multiple times to stop before signaling his ejection.

Harper then got in Ortiz’s face and began yelling at the 35-year-old umpire — an apparent violation of Major League Baseball’s safety protocols during this pandemic-shortened season.

The blowup came an inning after Harper’s defensive miscue allowed Mets veteran Todd Frazier to score from third on Giménez’s popup to shallow right field.

The strong-armed Harper looked on as Walker caught the ball on his heels and delivered an off-balance, wild throw home that let Frazier score easily. Walker shook his head at Harper after the play and appeared to explain to teammates in the dugout during the next inning that he was waiting for Harper to call him off the ball.

Harper was ejected for the 14th time in his career. The 27-year-old slugger is batting .149 (7 for 47) in his past 15 games following a scorching start.

Jeurys Familia, Justin Wilson, Miguel Castro and Edwin Díaz pitched a scoreless inning each to close up shop for New York. Díaz struck out three and worked around two walks in a non-save situation.

Lugo set a season high with 81 pitches. He’s allowed two runs in 11 2/3 innings with 20 strikeouts and four walks since joining the rotation. It was his first win as a starter since June 2018. struggled during this pandemic-shortened season. He entered Saturday batting .229 with three home runs.

Giménez had two hits, a walk and a stolen base. He is batting .288 with a teamleading seven steals.

JOHN MINCHILLO — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS The Phillies’ Bryce Harper, front left, argues with umpire Roberto Ortiz, right, after Ortiz ejected Harper during the fifth inning against the New York Mets, Saturday.