The Marlins used a four-run second inning to claim a 4-3 win over the Mets Friday night. Miami is now 4-0 in one-run games while New York is 1-3.
Michael Wacha started for the Mets and had a strong first inning, hitting 97 mph. But it fell apart for him in the second, as he allowed a three-run homer to Francisco Cervelli. Wacha rebounded afterwards but the damage was done. It was yet another game where the Mets’ starter failed to go 6 IP, as Wacha completed just five innings.
Dominic Smith hit an upper deck homer for the Mets’ first run but then the bats took off until the eighth inning. Amed Rosario cracked a leadoff double and then the Mets caught a couple of breaks. Pinch hitter Brian Dozier drew a walk on what looked like a clear third strike. After a bullet by Jeff McNeil was caught for the first out, Pete Alonso hit a solid single to right to load the bases. Break number two came when Michael Conforto hit a ground ball to third that resulted in a wild throw home to make it 4-2.
J.D. Davis followed with an RBI that cut the deficit to one. Again, the Mets went station to station, moving up only one base on a hit to the outfield. Smith came up with a chance to put the Mets ahead but hit a shallow pop up for the second out. Wilson Ramos hit a ball hard that the second baseman boxed around but still had plenty of time to get the final out of the inning.
Edwin Diaz came on to pitch the ninth inning with the Mets down a run and looked very good. He showed a good slider and got some ugly swings. But the Mets went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning.
The Marlins were trying to give it to them but the Mets politely refused. Alonso is trying very hard to come around he’s shortened his swing and is looking to make contact while striding into the pitch. Francisco Cervelli is a huge asset for that team. Smart catcher.
Gut Reaction: when opportunity knocks answer the door.
Wacha has a 6 .45 ERA and he needs to pitch better in order to remain in the rotation when Stroman returns.
Shreve looked good also.
They have dug themselves a hole.
Another game, another day of not scoring runs. Seems we are defined by not getting the big hit and always as a team that must have all things falling our way to put one in the W column. My loyalty to this team will not waver but it gets so old, especially in these absurd conditions in which we are all living. A good Mets team would have been a ray of hope for us all. Our crosstown rivals could suit up their batboy and he would probably go 2 for 3 and hit one out.
Thanks Brian for your well thought out and timely and honest post game analysis. For those who don’t write in this way it is a lot harder to do on an ongoing basis than one would think. Your efforts, and those who appear in your stead are appreciated.
Thanks for the kind words.
You should join us in the Game Chatters. Misery loves company!