Watch: Francisco Alvarez hits two homers to lead Mets past Phillies

July 17 (UPI) — Francisco Alvarez clobbered home runs in the third and seventh innings to lead the New York Mets over the Philadelphia Phillies in Philadelphia.

The veteran catcher hit both long balls off Phillies starter Aaron Nola in the 4-1 triumph Thursday at Citizens Bank Park, the first MLB game after the 2026 All-Star Game was held there Tuesday.

“It was great,” Mets interim manager Andy Green told reporters when asked about Alvarez. “He caught a great game, too. … That’s as much power as you’re ever going to see in the No. 9 [batting order] hole. So, probably means he doesn’t really belong in the No. 9 hole.”

Mets starter Christian Scott allowed just three hits over 5 2/3 scoreless innings to improve to 3-1 this season. Outfielder Juan Soto, who left the game in the eighth inning with calf soreness, reached base four times, with three walks and a single. He is not expected to miss playing time.

Second baseman Brett Baty, who also hit a solo homer, and outfielder A.J. Ewing recorded an RBI apiece. With the win, the Mets snapped a three-game losing streak.

“Aside from the home runs, I think the biggest impact that I was able to be a part of was how well our pitchers threw,” Alvarez said. “We kept the game close and then were able to score runs in key spots, so I thought we played a really good game.”

Alvarez gave the Mets their initial lead with a 416-foot shot off a 1-2 Nola slider in the top of the third inning.

Baty doubled the advantage with a 378-foot blast off Nola in the seventh. Alvarez followed with a 363-foot shot in the next at-bat.

The Phillies plated their lone run off a 383-foot homer from shortstop Trea Turner in the next inning. Ewing recorded an RBI double in the ninth for the game’s final score.

The Mets (41-57) will take on the Phillies (54-44) in the second game of the series at 4:05 p.m. EDT Saturday in Philadelphia. The finale be Sunday.

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