This morning it was pointed out that the Mets hadn’t scored more than eight runs in a game all season. So, the Mets exploded for 13 runs – one more than they scored in the previous six contests – and Taijuan Walker returned from the IL to lead the Mets to a 13-2 win over the Braves Saturday night at Citi Field.
There were offensive heroes galore. James McCann got the night started off right with a solo homer in the first inning. McCann had a 4-hit game with three runs and two RBIs. McCann was one of five Mets to go deep, as he was joined by Jonathan Villar, Brandon Drury, Billy McKinney and Francisco Lindor. And there was also the first hit as a Met for Cameron Maybin. But while others were cracking homers, Maybin’s hit was a roller up the third base line that stayed fair.
Walker tossed five shutout innings and allowed just two hits and a walk while fanning eight. His ERA dropped to a 1.84 mark and he upped his record to 4-1. He looked in complete control.
The Mets have now won three of four meetings against the Braves this year and have a 14-5 home record. It was the first time they scored double digit runs against Atlanta in 20 games and the first time they won by at least 10 runs since a 16-5 win in May of 2017.
The sky was falling after we left Miami. Now we re 3.5 up and adding Alonso and Lugo with more on the way.
McCann has looked unbelievable at 1b. Like he s been playing there his whole life. And its invigorated his bat. Not sure how the playing time at C gets divvied up when Pete comes back but its clear the when McCann ia on he adds a different dimension than Nido. Although Nido has been on it behind the dish. More caught stealing than steals allowed.
Villar s stats look pedestrian but outside of DeGrom he may be the team MVP so far. Seems to make a great play at 3rd nightly. Does he shift to RF when Davis returns? Thought for sure he had that grand slam in the 3rd.
This is a great team. Emphasis on team.
I too am basking in the glow… I like this team… I like the Maybins and the Perazas and the Villars and the McKinneys… even Drury and Tovar do their bit to contribute. All I need now is Khalil Lee to hit a bomb or two, and all will be right with the world.
Taijuan obviously has brought a whole new dimension to the team. I admit that at first I was looking for the smoke and mirrors, but this guy has a great arm and knows how to pitch. I especially like that he gets ahead of hitters. Duh… it works! Would love to see him get more and more comfortable, pitch every fifth day and keep it going.
Takes a ton of pressure off Stroman and Peterson.
McCann obviously likes playing first. Pete who?
Pete Pipp, Wally’s grandson.
Gut Reaction: Walker was sensational lowering his ERA to 1.84. He threw 80 pitches in 5 innings and hopefully he is healthy and can go 6-7 innings with 90+ pitches the next time. It was concerning that he bunted everytime that he was batting to protect his side.
BTW the Mets scored 13 runs …….and they won!
Four in a row, first place and a 3.5 game lead in the division.