Schwarber slugs 3 homers, Harper hits for cycle as Phillies crush Mets

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Phillies crushed the New York Mets 15-3 Saturday night, in what was a historic offensive performance for their two stars.

What we know:

The Phils got the scoring started early and didn't stop. First baseman Bryce Harper hit a solo shot in the bottom of the first, his 16th of the year. Harper would continue to rake all game, completing his first career cycle with a triple in just the fifth inning.

But designated hitter Kyle Schwarber was not to be outdone Saturday night. Schwarber led off the third inning with a solo shot of his own — his first of two that inning, both hit over 450 feet. Then, in the seventh inning, Schwarber hit his third just inside the right field foul pole for his MLB-leading 28th of the season.

Starting pitcher Cristopher Sánchez kept the Mets in check, holding them to one run and five hits while striking out five.

Dig deeper:

For Schwarber, it was his fifth three-home-run game. The only active player with more is the Dodgers' Mookie Betts, according to MLB. 

With less than a month until the All-Star break, the Phillies sit 7.5 games back of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East. 

The Phillies will wrap up their series with the Mets Sunday night before a seven-game road trip.

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