Francisco Alvarez offers enouraging sign with blast in Mets’ win over Phillies

Francisco Alvarez provided an encouraging sign for the New York Mets by hitting a go-ahead opposite-field home run in a 10-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Alvarez drove a four-seam fastball from Andrew Painter to right field in the fifth inning for his 16th home run of the season, breaking a prolonged offensive slump.

Prior to the game, Alvarez had endured an 11-for-85 slump over 25 contests with 41 strikeouts. Despite his offensive struggles and competition from backup Luis Torrens, catching coach J.P. Arencibia noted that Alvarez has made significant defensive strides during the second half.