Phillies Seek Improved Batting Strategy After NLDS Game 1 Loss to Mets

The Philadelphia Phillies faced a challenging start in their National League Division Series (NLDS) against the New York Mets, losing Game 1 in a 6-3 defeat. Phillies shortstop Trea Turner, who went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, immediately returned to the batting cage following the loss, indicating a commitment to addressing his struggles at the plate.

“Just to talk and look at some things,” Turner explained when asked about the extra practice. “Get ready for tomorrow.” The Phillies managed to score just two runs on five hits, along with eight strikeouts during the game, leaving them to reflect on missed opportunities and chasing pitches out of the strike zone.

This familiar problem was echoed by Phillies’ designated hitter Bryce Harper, who stated, “We’re chasing balls in the dirt. We didn’t work deep into counts like we should’ve. We’ve got to understand what they’re gonna try to do to us and flip the switch as an offense, immediately.” The urgency in his voice emphasized the necessity for the team to maintain discipline at the plate and have a keen awareness of the Mets’ strategies.

Turner was not alone in his difficulty at the plate. Alec Bohm and Johan Rojas also struggled, each failing to reach base effectively. Philadelphia’s lone early offense came from a leadoff home run by Kyle Schwarber in the first inning, but the team failed to capitalize further until the game’s final inning.

Issues were compounded by stellar pitching from the Mets and unfavorable playing conditions, as noted by Nick Castellanos. “I feel like from the first inning through the seventh inning, it was really hard to see the baseball,” he noted, pointing to the shadows affecting visibility. These conditions were not unique to the Phillies, as both teams faced such challenges.

Despite the challenges, Phillies starter Zack Wheeler delivered an impressive performance, holding the Mets to just one hit in seven innings. However, the Philadelphia bullpen faltered, allowing five runs in the eighth inning, effectively shifting the momentum in favor of the Mets.

The Phillies will need to adjust quickly as the series continues, with Game 2 scheduled at the same 4:08 p.m. start time on Sunday. Coach Rob Thomson echoed the sentiment of adaptation, stressing the need for patience and strategic hitting.

With further games set at Citi Field, where shadows are likely to play a role once again, Castellanos concluded, “It’s going to be the same [shadows] for us as it is for them. We’re going to have to find a way to deal with it, put together good at-bats, and score more runs than them.”