In a game that got extended by both managers making a bevy of tactical moves over the course of the game, the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the New York Mets 5-2.
Before the bullpen crew came in and wrecked the game for the Mets, it seemed like starting pitcher Steven Matz would be the headline of any recap. Matz had a game to remember for a multitude of reasons. In the first inning, he seemed as if he was destined to have one of his classic blow-up games after giving up three walks in the first inning. He eventually worked his way around it and had himself a night.
The excitement for Matz began when he came to the plate in the third inning and drilled a home run off of Aaron Nola, making him the first Met since Ron Darling to hit home runs in back-to-back starts. The heroics would only continue, as in the bottom of the fifth, he nabbed a line drive, behind his back in an athletic display. After that, he tossed the ball over to first to finish off an easy double play. The final stat line for Matz was two hits, five walks, no earned runs, one bomb, and one sick play in the field. My Gut Reaction is that Matz was fun to watch tonight, a feeling that has rarely been felt about his starts since he first came up. Hopefully, there will be even more of these starts moving forward.
The combination of Jerry Blevins, who did not record an out, and Drew Smith, who recorded one out, were responsible for the five runs that the Phillies scored this evening. The big blow came off of Smith, who allowed a three run bomb to Jorge Alfaro in the sixth inning.
The other Met run came off of a Dom Smith double, which drove in Brandon Nimmo. Smith, Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, and Matz combined for the six Mets hits.
The Mets will be back in action for the rubber game of the series tomorrow night at the odd start time of 6:05. Noah Syndergaard will look to pitch the Mets to victory over the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park against Zach Eflin.
Aside from Gsellman and Lugo, is there any reliever that we can actually put faith in to do the job over an extended period of time? Wow. How do you prepare for next year with so many pitchers being so unpredictable?
Three relievers used to get the first out in the sixth. I was hoping Batista would triple to give Smith the cycle. After watching this garbage we’ll at least know who not to sign for next year.
My gut reaction was that Blevins and Smith should not be relied on in these situations. These situations belong to Lugo and Gsellman. That means that the Mets need a set up guy and a closer.
Matz deserved the victory. He did everything last night. He hit, he pitched and he had a defensive highlight film with that behind them back catch.
Thor can produce the thunder and the Mets will take the series tonight.LGM
It was an ok performance by Matz. 5 IP not particularly special. 50 pitches through the first 2 innings, 5 BB. Same ol story, missing high when he throws with conviction, then has to nurse balls into the strike zone that are lollipops. It makes him a SP5 or depth guy.
Editor’s Note – Please keep on topic with comments. This story was the recap from Tuesday night’s game. If you wish to discuss something other than Tuesday night’s game, please use the Open Threads, which are published on Mondays and Fridays.