It was looking like tonight’s game would have completed the hat trick of bullpen blown games this series. An 8-3 lead was closed to a single run, a run that was feet away from scoring, but a strong recovery from Michael Conforto led to a pinch-running Jack Flaherty being thrown out at the plate to finish the game. Edwin Diaz pitching in his third straight day managed to earn the save.
The Mets bats were what actually saved them in this one, starting off with a Pete Alonso sized bang in the first inning. His 23rd home run of the season was off the face of the third deck in left field, and it loudly reminded all of us that he is well on pace to break the franchise’s single season record.
Noah Syndergaard continued his productive pitching in this one. While far from as dominant as he was in his last start, he was able to scatter runs and avoid any big innings. The Cardinals did run all over Syndergaard, stealing five bases while he was on the mound. They then stole a sixth against Seth Lugo. The Mets’ bigger problems didn’t come until the seventh inning when the bullpen took over after Syndergaard gave up a leadoff hit.
While not an easy win, Mets fans can rest a little easier tonight with this effort, and tomorrow the team has a chance at evening the series as they break out the Father’s Day gear.
Rather an ugly win than an ugly loss, but I can’t help but wonder: Callaway and Eiland were brought in the fix the starting staff, and they did for the most part last year. Isn’t there anything they can do for a bunch of relievers that are supposed to be better than they’re pitching? Is it that the relievers are in the game for such a short period of time that they cannot be fixed so easily? I mean, I’m sure they have to be trying…
Anyone want Cody Allen? I’m willing to take anyone right now and throw him into the mix.
I don’t like Bashlor in MLB until he masters control to corners, Font barely pitches for some reason, Gsellman is too talented to give up on but has been inconsistent for over a year, Familia is enigmatic, Lugo belongs in the rotation (actually, reading the article about the Astros makes me compare Lugo to Charlie Morton), and Diaz is getting knocked around…
At game’s end when the radio boys were contemplating a replacement for Syndergaard, and the two names they threw out were Kay and Lockett. That’s a bad sign. Can we give Lugo a shot?
Gary is awesome! On the other hand, Keith is just too cool to get excited, LOL!
I’m in moderation again?
Bad news in Philly: Realmuto out with groin injury. Bruce out with hamstring injury. Both from tonight’s game.
Gut reaction: lucky but a win is a win. The bullpen is giving me angina.
McNeil was the one who threw the runner out on a recovery a heads-up play. McNeil, Conforto and Alonzo are the core of the offense and the team. Alonzo hit another tremendous home run. He is a must-see batter. I hope he doesn’t end up like Ralph Kiner and he is the only highlight to watch the team.
JD Davis had a very nice game. Early in the game Frasier handle a smoked ball and turned it into a double play. JD would have caught it also but he would have tapped before throwing and the Mets would have not gotten a double play. Just saying.
Gsellman is our third-best reliever(?) And it would do him good if he pitched more often to avoid these long layovers.
Hechavarria should be getting some starts at shortstop for the fading Rosario. Rosario set once a week last year and it helped him.
We now turn to Vargas again to right the ship. If he does, then the Mets will get the expected split of the series and those first two games will just be a bitter taste in the mouth.
Why is Ramos back to catching every day?