Before this series started, most people were worried about the game that David Peterson would pitch, since he’s really struggled against the Phillies in his brief history. But Peterson was terrific and the Mets’ offense sprung to life, as the Mets earned a 5-1 victory Wednesday night at Citi Field.
Peterson gave up just two hits and one run in six innings and could have gone out for another frame, as his pitch count was low. After he entered the dugout in the sixth, he started to receive congratulatory handshakes from his teammates. Peterson’s spot in the lineup came up with two runners on base, giving Luis Rojas cover for the decision to remove a starter who was cruising.
Jeurys Familia came on in the seventh inning and promptly walked the first batter and gave up a scratch hit before being removed for lefty Aaron Loup. After not pitching since Opening Day, Loup was excellent, getting a double play to end the seventh and staying in to pitch the eighth, where he continued to dominate Philadelphia hitters.
Meanwhile, the Mets jumped on top of old friend Zack Wheeler early. The first three hitters all singled, resulting in a run. Pete Alonso hit into a double play, which brought home a second run. Alonso hit a sac fly in the seventh inning for the third run and James McCann cracked his first homer as a Met, hitting a two-run shot in the eighth for the game’s final runs.
The Mets finished with 12 hits, including three each by Brandon Nimmo, Dominic Smith and McCann. Francisco Lindor had two hits and a walk. Michael Conforto was hitless again and was also hit by a pitch again. It’s a tough way to make a living.
Peterson came into the game with a 16.50 ERA against the Phillies. But he turned the tables with a final line of 6 IP, 1 ER, 0 BB and 10 Ks. It was just another strong outing by a Mets starting pitcher. So far this year, Mets starters have a 2.33 ERA in eight games and the club is in first place with a 5-3 mark.
Didn’t see the game, but saw the highlights. Some thoughts:
– I love wins. I’ve heard the term “being a gracious loser”, nah, give me the W.
– In seeing the highlights, John Smoltz was saying something about David Peterson tipping his pitches by slowing down foe the slider. Did anyone hear that on MLBN portion of the broadcast? Smoltz also said that he doesn’t think Peterson is aware of it. Bet the league will be aware soon.
– Conforto got hit again?? Think Girardi is doing it for his buddy Mattingly? No one else seems to be getting plunked. Conforto played two games, got hit twice.
– Familia with a lead off walk. SMH, how many years have we been hearing that? Come dude…
Was supposed to say “Come on dude”.
Wondered when Gsellman would get a chance, but I can see Name responding with ‘when they are down by fifteen runs’.
I am feeling unusually sanguine about the Mets this year. We might have something going, here.
Gut Reaction: Peterson didn’t look like a fifth starter in this game. The starting rotation has gotten off to a great start.
The offense is coming around and the McCann homerun put the game out of reach.
Familia is serviceable with a larger lead but not in a game like this.
Loup was the unsung hero but face a lefty batter to get the DP and bail out Famila. Then he retired 3 righty batters in the next inning. I thought Loup was going to be sharing a 7th inning with Castro . Apparently Rojas had different thoughts.
Diaz had a 1-2-3 inning in a non save situation.
Looks like I’ll be on the familia train this season. Yes the walks don’t help but once again he got snookered by a weak cheap dinky hit. Happens nearly every outing.
I knew someone pointed out that Familia was being victimized by bleeders but I didn’t recall who it was. However, I was thinking of the comment during his appearance last night. I’ll remember going forward.
And may I add – you’re braver than I am with hopping on that train.
I agree BoomBoom and I may jump on that train with you. I’m not ready to give up on Familia yet. His stuff looks good, and he’ll probably always have issues with his control, but he hasn’t been hit hard at all so far this year. Most if not all of the hits he’s given up have been weak. I’m cautiously optimistic that he may be a serviceable reliever this year.