The Detroit Tigers coming into town for the first time since 2013 took the first game of the weekend series in a slugfest at Citi Field. Jumping out to a four-run lead in the first two innings off Noah Syndergaard, the lowly Tigers surprised many Mets fans who were expecting a low scoring affair. The visitors rank near the bottom of the league in almost every offensive category; however, today they played a very uncharacteristic game.
While the Mets countered with four home runs including a pinch-hit blast from newcomer Aaron Altherr, it was not enough to overcome this unexpected offensive outburst from Detroit which had three home runs of their own. Future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera led the charge going 2/2 with a home run, two walks, and a sacrifice fly.
Syndergaard looked shaky from the start, but it was good to see the lineup support him after his last start against the Marlins.
Already by the fourth inning the Mets had taken the lead in this back-and-forth game. Many of the runs came from their newly added depth pieces with Adeiny Hechavarria having a great offensive game. Unfortunately, the comeback magic ended as Dominic Smith struck out in the 8th. The Tigers bullpen proved to be slightly more effective than the pen for the nuclear Nats.
So, the Tigers stop their losing streak before reaching double digits, and the Mets have their win streak snapped at four. Tomorrow at 4pm hopefully neither of these teams start a new streak.
Face it, while they have a couple of bright spots, the Mets basically stink. Thor is waaay overrated. His results don’t match his stuff. Pen stinks. As usual a whole bunch of guys are performing way below expectations.
Gut Reaction: What is wrong with Noah? He has a career ERA 3.17, FIP 2.78, WHIP 1 .147 and averages 0.8 HR9. His career number indicates that he is one of fifteen best pitchers in the NL. Thor is no where near those averages this year. Is it physical, mental, Eiland, Calloway or Ramos? This problem needs to be solved quickly.
Although it was disappointing, it was a fun game and as Name mentioned in the chatter, their luck just ran out. Let’s face it, you didn’t think the scrubs were going to win every game.
Syndergaard taxed the bullpen and the second-tier relievers weren’t up for the test.
The Mets need this series to get to 500.LGM
Disappointing show8ng from Thor indeed but it is our AAA pitchers that are clearly not ready. How many days till we can sign Kimbrel without giving up a pick?
Noah, to his credit, seems to be exploring speed separation between his Gas and his Secondary Pitches. He’s not executing those pitches in most situations… and he falls back to his Gas in most.
He also has been changing elevation…. also without much success in location. He aims High, Low, in and out—— and it’s too often Middle-Middle
Maybe it’s the darkness before the dawn