Bruce’s slugging, Nola’s pitching carry Phillies by Mets

Jay Bruce enters the All-Star Break with 24 total home runs in 2019. (Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire)It wasn’t a no-hitter, but the Philadelphia Phillies improved their record to 47-43 with an 8-3 victory over the host New York Mets (40-50) and allowed for a much-needed sigh of relief heading into the All-Star break.

Through 5.1 innings, Phillies ace Aaron Nola was toying with history. He had not allowed a hit through 79 pitches. But his 80th toss was tattooed by Mets rookie sensation and All-Star game reserve Pete Alonso, and ended up being a two-run home run. The 30th blast of the season and 67th and 68th RBIs by Alonso – who, on June 22, set a National League record for most home runs by a…