The Mets pounded out 13 hits, jumped out to a nine-run lead and walked away with a 9-2 win in the opener of their three-game series with the A’s Friday night. Combined with the Braves’ loss earlier in the night, the Mets expanded their lead to 2.5 games.
While the offense recovered from its stumble on Wednesday, Chris Bassitt pitched a tremendous game. He went eight innings with a low pitch count. The only reason he didn’t get a complete game is because Buck Showalter wanted to get Drew Smith some work. Even if he didn’t get the complete game, Bassitt did pick up his 15th win of the season.
The Mets jumped out to a three-run lead in the second inning. Mark Vientos blooped an RBI single and Brandon Nimmo had a 101.6 mph two-run single.
That was enough for Bassitt but the Mets continued to add on, with the big blast coming from Eduardo Escobar, who hit his first career grand slam to make it 7-0.
Jeff McNeil had a three-hit game, with Nimmo, Mark Canha and Vientos each with two hits. It was up in the air if Nimmo was even going to play, so it was a very nice night for him. Vientos’ second hit was an RBI double. He entered the night with one hit and one RBI and now has three of each.
It was a good night in the Game Chatter, as we had 196 comments despite the game essentially being over by the fifth inning. Hope you’ll join us for Saturday’s game, with Sunshine Superman Jacob deGrom getting the daytime start.
Brian, for whatever reason, I have not been able to get into the chatter the last four or five times I have tried and have given up.
The grand slam was huge from a stress level perspective because both Lindor and Ruf flew out to short right field with a man on third and less than two outs. In fact, Ruf’s at bat was particularly discouraging because he showed no drive but just flipped it out to right field happy just to avoid hitting into another double play like his previous at bat.
Glad Keith missed the series. If he doesn’t like the Phillies’ defense, the A’s would have nauseated him. The Mets need to sweep while Philadelphia is giving the Braves the business. The King takes the hill today and his co-ace tomorrow. The playoffs are coming and it is time to start winning when you should.
EDIT: I just saw why Keith wasn’t there. Wish him a speedy recovery.
Gus, email me a screen shot of where things go wrong/end for you. If I see the problem, that may help. That goes for anyone else, too. You can send to [email protected] and I’ll take a look. No guarantee I can help but I will definitely try.
Gut Reaction: Another win against an inferior team. The Mets are TCB every day, every way, its all mine in Overdrive. 2.5 game lead and 2 games in the loss column.
The game with in the game. Both Ruf and Vientos started and may start all three games because the A’s are starting LHP. Ruf had one single but 5 LOB. Vientos had a single and a double and a walk accounting for 2 RBI’s. Advantage Vientos. Smith had a clean inning with a strikeout. Nice come back appearance. LGM