Phillies fall to Mets 5-4 on June 22, 2025, despite Kyle Schwarber's 24th HR. Read how a tough loss is overshadowed by major Bryce Harper injury news.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic NL East slugfest that didn't go the Phillies' way. In a tense Sunday showdown at Citizens Bank Park, the Phils dropped a tight 5-4 contest to the New York Mets, seeing their three-game winning streak snapped in gut-wrenching fashion. The loss narrows their division lead, but the day wasn't without its significant silver linings.
Kyle Schwarber's solo home run was his 24th of the season, moving him into second place in the National League home run race.
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the start. Starter Jesús Luzardo battled through six innings, surrendering four runs but keeping the Phillies in the fight with seven strikeouts. The offense, led by a 2-for-4 day from Trea Turner, clawed back to tie the game 4-4 in a thrilling eighth-inning rally. But the Mets pushed across the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth against reliever Matt Strahm, and the Phillies' bats couldn't answer. Despite the loss, the team's record stands at a strong 46-31, still atop the division.
Perhaps the biggest news of the day came before the first pitch. Bryce Harper, out since June 6 with a hamstring strain, took live batting practice and looked sharp. Manager Rob Thomson confirmed Harper 'looked good' and could be heading out for a rehab assignment with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs as soon as next week. Getting the two-time MVP's bat back in the lineup will be a monumental boost as the team heads into the heart of summer.
While the big-league club was battling the Mets, top pitching prospect Mick Abel was putting on a clinic for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Abel was masterful, tossing six scoreless innings while striking out eight and walking only two. After a successful spot start with the Phillies earlier this season, his continued dominance proves the organization has a major arm ready to contribute when called upon.
Even in a loss, Kyle Schwarber continues to do what he does best: hit 'Schwarbombs.' His solo shot in the sixth was his 24th of the season, putting him on pace for a career year and moving him to second on the NL home run leaderboard. It's a testament to the team's fight, a sentiment echoed by their manager. On a day the team also celebrated Father's Day, the resilience was on full display, even if the result wasn't what the home crowd wanted.
While a loss to a division rival always stings, the Phillies remain in control of their destiny. With Bryce Harper's return on the horizon and arms like Mick Abel developing rapidly, the long-term outlook is incredibly bright. The team will need to shake this one off quickly and get back to their winning ways, but Sunday served as a reminder that even on a tough day, this Phillies team has plenty to be excited about.
