Conforto drives in 6, Mets topple Phillies

PHILADELPHIA — Michael Conforto had a career-high six RBIs and finished a triple shy of the cycle, Zach Wheeler pitched seven solid innings for his careerbest 12th win and the New York Mets beat the fading Philadelphia Phillies 9-4 on Monday night.

The Phillies entered the day seven games behind Atlanta for the NL East lead. The Braves’ magic number to clinch the division dropped to seven, pending the outcome of Atlanta’s game against St. Louis.

Conforto had a two-run single in the fifth, an RBI double in the seventh and a three-run homer in the ninth for the Mets, who have won 7 of 11 and are 26-17 over their last 43 games. Conforto has 75 RBIs, including 45 since the All-Star break, second most in the NL over that span behind Milwaukee’s Christian Yelich.

Wheeler (12-7) allowed four runs and three hits to become the first Mets pitcher since Steve Trachsel in 2001 to record nine wins after the All-Star break. Since the break, the righthander is 9-1 with a 1.68 ERA in 11 starts.

J.P. Crawford had a threerun triple for the Phillies, whose slim playoff chances took another hit. Philadelphia began play 61⁄2 back of first-place Atlanta in the NL East and five games out of the wild card. The Phillies have lost 8 of 11.

Conforto’s two-out double in the seventh off Tommy Hunter (4-3) snapped a 4-all tie and helped the Mets continue their mastery of Philadelphia. New York has won 7 of 11 against the Phillies this season and is 45-20 in Philadelphia since 2012.

Wheeler didn’t allow a hit until Wilson Ramos’ leadoff single in the fifth.

Matt Slocum / Associated Press The Mets’ Michael Conforto, left, rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run in the ninth inning on Monday.