The Mets snapped a five-game losing streak with an 8-1 win over the Marlins in Citi Field Saturday night.
The Mets exploded for seven runs in the sixth inning, tallying more runs in one frame than they had in 14 of the 17 previous games this month. Wilmer Flores and Kevin Plawecki each contributed two-run homers in the inning and the Mets were aided by three Marlins errors in the frame. The Mets scored their eighth run on the first Citi Field homer by Dominic Smtih, who clubbed a high fastball to right.
Rafael Montero continued to pitch inside and once again had a strong outing, as he allowed just 1 ER in 6 IP. With the Mets big rally in the sixth, Montero earned his second win of the season and the third of his career.
Hansel Robles and Chasen Bradford combined for three scoreless innings, with Robles hurling two frames.
The Mets tied a team record by turning five double plays. They had a shot for a sixth in the ninth inning but Bradford was unable to cleanly field a hot shot up the middle with a runner on first.
The biggest win today happened this morning when the Cubs did the Mets a financial favor in taking Rene Rivera off their hands. Rivera’s departure also opened the door for consistent playing time for one of tonight’s heroes, Kevin Plawecki.
When Plawecki was up last year and even earlier this year, he appeared to be Charlie O’Brien-lite with the bat. However, he seems more aggressive at the plate and the way he jumped all over that hanging slider impressed even Keith Hernandez. We will be monitoring Mr. Plawecki to see if he is indeed a possible answer to our prayers.
Montero with his second straight strong outing…against two strong lineups. The approach looks different…the attitude is much more aggressive…the execution and Stuff was very strong.
Interesting to watch Nimmo Play. His Pitch recognition is geared strongly toward walks. It doesn’t seem to provide him with aggression and the same recognition in Hitter’s counts—and he doesn’t seem to be a high contact guy on his swings. He did hit the ball hard several times last night.
Wilmer played a decent all-around game…. Plawecki (I still believe) took advantage of his playing shot.
Rosario is Glove Ready…I believe he will struggle with the bat, with eventual success—it won’t be a flawless journey
Right now Montero is pitching better than Matz and Flexen. The Mets aren’t sure how effective Syndergaard, Harvey and Wheeler are until they take the mound again. Montero is making the best of his opportunity as Gsellman did in his last last. He pitched a good game.
That was the Kevin Plawecki is saw, oh so many years ago, in the minors. Before the season is over he should get plenty of at bats to see if he is a MLB player.
Flores had a good all around game and vs RHP he has a 800 OPS this year.
Nimmo has a 380 OBA but only a .024 ISO. Hopefully he will drive the ball more. Dom Smith with his second home run.