New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez hit his 10th and 11th home runs of the season in a win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday in Philadelphia. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
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.
