The lead story: Pete Alonso clubbed his 30th home run of the season, added a double and drove in three runs — he now has 102 RBI this year — as the Mets beat the Phillies, 7-2, at Citizens Bank Ballpark. Starling Marte also stole home on a double-steal in the win. Chris Bassitt tossed six strong innings to get the win.
The sidebar: The Yankees are back on the tank. Teoscar Hernandez blasted a two-run shot as the Blue Jays won, 4-0, in the Bronx. It was the fourth time in 10 games the reeling Bombers have been shut out.
The standings: The Yankees (73-47) now lead Toronto by eight games atop the AL East. But their loss column lead is down to seven games. They still have an 8.5-game lead on the AL Central-leading Guardians for the No. 2 postseason seed in the league (eight in the loss column).
The Mets (77-43) are up 3.5 games on the Braves in the NL East. The loss column lead is four games. They also have a nine-game lead on the NL Central-leading Cardinals for the No. 2 postseason seed. That lead is eight in the loss column.
The schedule: The Mets and Phillies will play a day-night doubleheader in Philadelphia. The first game will start at 1:05 p.m. (SNY) and the second will start any 7:15 p.m. (FOX). The Yankees and Blue Jays will play at 1:05 p.m. (YES).
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• LeBron James reportedly banging table for Lakers to get Kyrie Irving
• MLB postseason schedule is out, so let’s talk Mets, Yankees pitching plans
• Philadelphia’s obsessive anger with Keith Hernandez has not subsided
James Kratch can be reached at james.kratch@xlmedia.com
