Lugo lifts Mets over Phils; Harper tossed
Starter’s five innings of one-run ball gets N.Y.’S rotation a rare victory
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 (2-2) pitched five innings of one-run 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.
Andres Gimenez 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 six-game skid against Philadelphia.
Rhys Hoskins homered in the first inning, but the Phillies’ fivegame 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 left-handed hitter ripped a first-pitch 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-yearold 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 Gimenez’s popup to shallow right field.