Phillies Answer Mets’ Ninth-Inning Magic with Nick Castellanos Walk-off to Tie NLDS

In a night filled with drama, the Mets came within a breath of an improbable NLDS victory, only for Nick Castellanos to dash those hopes with a game-winning walk-off single. The Phillies secured a 7-6 win at Citizens Bank Park, leveling the series as the two teams head to Queens.

Castellanos Delivers in the Ninth

After Mark Vientos had electrified the Mets dugout with his second home run of the night, tying the game at 6-6, Mets reliever Tylor Megill couldn't finish the job. He walked Trea Turner and Bryce Harper before Castellanos lined a sharp single, sending the Mets to a crushing loss.

“It’s tough,” Mets’ manager Buck Showalter admitted. “We fought back, but we let it slip away. Now it's a series, and we’ll need to regroup.”

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Mets' Late-Game Push Falls Short

The ninth inning had begun with hope. Francisco Lindor's single set the stage for Vientos, who belted a two-run homer against Phillies' Matt Strahm. It was a moment of déjà vu for the Mets, reminiscent of their wild-card clinching victory days earlier. But the jubilation was short-lived as Megill faltered under pressure, surrendering the walk-off hit.

“We’ve had these moments all season,” Vientos said post-game. “We’ll be ready for Game 3 at home.”

Diaz Struggles in Key Moment

The Mets' struggles began in the eighth inning when Edwin Diaz, entering for his second inning of work, surrendered a two-run triple to Bryson Stott. The Phillies, who had been trailing 4-3, capitalized on Diaz's fatigue. Afterward, Diaz was replaced by Megill, who allowed another run to score, putting the Mets down 6-4 heading into the ninth.

“That was a tough one for Edwin,” Showalter said. “He’s done a lot for us, but we needed a stop there.”

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Nimmo and Vientos Provide Hope

Earlier in the game, Luis Severino gave the Mets a solid six innings, allowing just three runs. His effort kept them in the game, while Brandon Nimmo and Pete Alonso provided much-needed power. Nimmo's solo shot in the seventh briefly gave the Mets a 4-3 lead before the Phillies rallied late.

Nimmo and Vientos, two players who have been clutch for New York all season, now face the pressure of bringing that magic back in Queens, where Games 3 and 4 will take place.

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Key Stats

Player	Key Performance
Mark Vientos	2 HR, 4 RBI
Nick Castellanos	Walk-off RBI single, 2 HR
Edwin Diaz	1.2 IP, 3 ER, 3 H
Brandon Nimmo	1 HR, 1 RBI

Looking Ahead: Games 3 and 4 in Queens

With the series tied, both teams are expected to bring their best as the action shifts to Citi Field. The Mets will lean on their home crowd advantage, while the Phillies aim to continue riding their momentum.

“We’ve been here before,” said Pete Alonso. “We’ve faced adversity, and we’re going to fight.”

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Sources: NY Post, MLB Stats