David Wright hit a walkoff single to right field off Jonathan Papelbon (2-3) to give the New York Mets a 6-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the three-game series at Citi Field on Thursday night. Papelbon earned the loss and his second blown save of the season after giving three hits and a walk for two earned runs in the ninth inning.
The Mets came into the bottom of the ninth down 5-4. Ike Davis led off the inning with a double, but the Phillies seemed to be in decent shape after Papelbon retired Josh Thole on a sacrifice to third, and struck out Kirk Nieuwenhuis. He proceeded to walk the bases loaded, however. Jordany Valdespin advanced on a hit-by-pitch before stealing second. Ruben Tejada worked the at-bat to 3-2 before taking first base.
Daniel Murphy batted in the tying run on an infield single to Papelbon, who struggled to corral the ball as Murphy legged it out along the first-base path and Ronny Cedeno crossed home plate. Then Wright made his way to the plate to notch his eighth career walkoff and finish his night 3-for-5.
Cole Hamels pitched seven innings, giving up four earned runs off seven hits and a walk while striking out seven. His numbers would have been fine, if not for the two home runs he relinquished. Scott Hairston put the Mets on the board with a solo shot in the second inning. Wright hit a two run blast to left in the fifth to give the Mets their first lead of the night.
The loss spoiled a spectacular night at the plate for Jimmy Rollins. The shortstop went 3-for-3 with two walks, and fell a home run short of hitting for the cycle. His sixth inning triple scored Cole Hamels, tying the game at 4-4. He ran in another run on the next at-bat off a Juan Pierre sacrifice to the pitcher, giving the Phillies a 5-4 lead.
R.A. Dickey struggled for the Mets. He gave up five earned runs off 11 hits and a walk while striking out seven in seven innings. The Phillies went just 4-for-13 with runners in scoring position, however, making things easier on New York's All-Star pitcher.
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