Conforto powers Mets over Phils
Jacob deGrom did not take the mound as scheduled Sunday afternoon, so the Mets took advantage by scoring runs. Typically stymied offensively when deGrom is on the mound, the Mets broke out behind Michael Conforto’s big day for a 6-4 win over the Phillies at a soggy Citi Field. The Mets (65-77) still have not lost a series against the Phillies (74-68) this year and improved to 10-6 against them, resigned to playing spoilers in the NL East. After driving in the Mets’ first run on a single in the first inning, Conforto crushed an opposite-field, threerun home run in the fifth to grab the lead for good, 5-2. The long ball was initially ruled in play, but a crew-chief review quickly determined the ball had gone out for Conforto’s 23rd home run of the year. Conforto has relished playing in the home stretch of the season, which he was robbed of last year, when he was forced to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. In his past 12 games, he has slugged five home runs and driven in 11 runs, continuing a second-half surge after a slow start to the year.
“I think there was a period of time when I was searching for that feeling of being consistent and getting to the right spot when the pitch is coming in,” Conforto said. “It feels like it’s coming together now.”
Conforto also provided a clutch effort in the field in the sixth inning to shut down a Phillies rally. With runners on the corners, Carlos Santana sliced a fly ball down the leftfield line that Conforto reached into the seats, around bodies and out- stretched hands, to catch to get out of the jam.
Jeff McNeil recorded his second straight three-hit game with a trio of singles — one of which drove in Dominic Smith in the fifth inning — and a walk. The rookie has reached base safely in 22 straight starts and is batting .340.
➤ The red mark resembling a baseball was still seared on the right side of Noah Syndergaard’s rib cage Sunday morning, but the Mets pitcher came through fine after getting drilled in the ribs by a 103.7 mph line drive Saturday night. Syndergaard underwent X-rays that were negative, and at this point will not need any further evaluation, Mickey Callaway said.
“He’s in a really good spot,” Callaway said.
➤ Smith, who also left Saturday’s game early with a tight left groin, felt better Sunday and came off the bench in the fifth inning to crack a pinch-hit double.