Stroman sharp in return, Mets beat Phillies 8-4 for 1st win

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Marcus Stroman didn't miss a step after sitting out last season.

The right-hander tossed six sharp innings in his first start since 2019, Dominic Smith and Pete Alonso each hit a two-run homer and the New York Mets beat the Philadelphia Phillies 8-4 Tuesday night for their first win of the year.

Didi Gregorius hit a solo homer for Philadelphia, which sought its first 5-0 start since 1915.

Stroman (1-0) allowed one run and three hits before giving way to a bullpen that wasted Jacob deGrom’s masterful performance a night earlier. He got 15 of his 18 outs on grounders.

“Whenever I've been good, that’s my forte,” Stroman said. “I've never been someone who prides myself on strikeouts.”

Stroman opted out in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns. He was excited to return to the mound and pitch in front of fans.

“I felt great,” he said. “I have the utmost confidence when I'm out there. I feel like I can compete against anybody on any night.”

Phillies starter Chase Anderson (0-1) permitted two runs and two hits over five innings in his first start with his new team. Vince Velasquez struck out the side in the sixth but walked four batters in the seventh. All four scored as the Mets extended their lead to 6-1.

Brandon Nimmo drew the walk that forced in New York’s third run and chased Velasquez. Francisco Lindor hit a sacrifice fly off Brandon Kintzler to make it 4-1. Another run scored when Kevin Pillar stole home as Nimmo swiped second base and catcher J.T. Realmuto’s throw to second bounced off Gregorius’ glove. Michael Conforto’s RBI double tacked on another run.

“He hasn’t been on the mound in a competitive situation in a while,” Phillies manager Joe Girardi said of Velasquez. “It’s hard to explain. We’re gonna need...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Stroman-sharp-in-return-Mets-beat-Phillies-8-4-16082065.php