What happened: Francisco Alvarez homered twice as the Mets beat the Phillies 4-1 to open the second half of the season. The result evens the season series between the clubs at 2-2.
Why it matters: New York had dropped three of the previous four meetings with Philadelphia, including a 15-3 loss on June 20. Alvarez's outburst is the same Francisco Alvarez who authored his sixth multi-homer game of the season.
By the numbers: Philadelphia enters 47-42, scoring 4.3 runs a game and allowing 4.5. New York sits at 37-52, scoring 4.1 and allowing 4.8. The Phillies had won four of the last five meetings between the clubs.
What to watch: The two clubs continue the series with the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaching.