Zack Wheeler was good tonight, but not good enough to defeat the Washington Nationals, as the Mets fell 5-2.

Coming off of a strong season debut, Wheeler was looking to build off of that start to defeat the rival Nationals. Facing a much more difficult lineup, Wheeler struggled a little bit. He allowed three runs over six innings pitched, with two of the runs coming in the fourth inning. What made this a quality start for Wheeler however was his ability to escape tricky situations. Many times he was backed into a corner with runners on base, but he was able to pull himself out of the gutter.

The offense of the Mets was disappointing tonight, with both runs scoring via the sacrifice. One was an Asdrubal Cabrera sacrifice fly to center, the other was a Yoenis Cespedes ground out. Both runs came in the fifth inning. There was a head scratching move made by manager Mickey Callaway when it came to pinch hitting.

With runners on the corners in the bottom of the sixth inning, Callaway called Jose Reyes up to bat. This was a questionable move, as Michael Conforto, Adrian Gonzales, and Brandon Nimmo were ready on the bench. My Gut Reaction to this move by Callaway is that he has not yet adjusted to the role of manager so far, and is not used to working with pinch hitters. He probably used Reyes to try to get him out of his funk, but that strategy back fired as Reyes struck out in ugly fashion.

Out of the bullpen, Robert Gsellman continued the trend of the bullpen being ineffective. He allowed two runs over two innings, and looked flat for the first time this season. On the brighter side, Gerson Bautista made his major league debut, pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

After dropping the first two games of the series, it goes without saying that the Mets need to win tomorrow. If they drop tomorrow’s game, the progress they made down in Washington D.C will be erased.

Tomorrow the Mets will be back at Citi Field at 7:10, when Steven Matz will take on Tanner Roark.

7 comments on “Gut Reaction: Nationals 5, Mets 2 (4/17/18)

  • Chris F

    Game 1. really? no, really? that did *not* happen.
    Game 2. blech
    Game 3. Matz to avoid sweep? Im not even putting a single dollar bill on that!

    Series: I guess this was unavoidable, but it says the Nats still know they ultimately control the East.

  • Charlie Hangley

    Supposedly, Reyes has good numbers in his career vs. Gio, but Gio was pulled after Reyes was announced. Callaway couldn’t sub in one of the big hitters because of the short bench: you can’t “burn” a PH like that anymore.

    That being said, I fear it may be time to DFA Jose.

    #DFJose

  • TexasGusCC

    Jose Reyes not being able to adapt is hard to accept, because he signed for that. If he can’t focus, that’s his problem. Today Callaway said “we have to get him going”. Uh oh, I’ve heard that before…

    The Mets told us last year that 16% of stolen bases score runs. Can’t confirm it, but, now we hear that it’s a real weapon and they can’t stop the Nationals because “they are really athletic” as Callaway says. Hope Alderson remembers this if Madrigal is still on the board at #6. Draft a pitcher later.

    That Monday loss needs to be washed out of their system, but how do you forget something like that?

    • Charlie Hangley

      Same way they did it in August, 2015: make a big trade and energize everybody. Look at BB-Ref, the game on 7/30/15. Then look what happened after that.

      I’m looking at you, J.T. Realmuto…

      • Chris F

        I’m looking at you, J.T. Realmuto…

        yeap

      • Chris F

        Ok, Im in too. But do you sign off on Gemeniz, Peterson, Dunn, and KP to do it?

        Throw in Bour, and I give the Marlins all of the top 10 prospects (Alonso or Smith)

  • Pete In Iowa

    Quality start? Yeah, I guess by today’s metrics it qualifies as such. In the real world where I live, not so much. True, he limited the damage and that’s worth something, I suppose. But when a guy struggles in nearly every one of six innings, I tend to fail to recognize that as “quality.” Passable, maybe. Quality, no.
    This stat, just like the definition of holds and saves, reverts to the least common denominator in its awarding. For example, a hold is awarded when a guy gives up four runs (no matter over how many thirds pitched), if his team is leading by five. Ramos got a hold on Monday night. Does that make any sense to anyone?
    Additionally, a save goes to a guy who comes in (most of the time) with the bases empty and a three run lead he manages to hold on to, no matter if he retires the side in order or gives up one or two runs.
    And don’t get me started on “framing.” You know, the stat which portends to know what an umpire is thinking. Sheeesh.

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