Dilson Herrera hammers as Jacob deGrom finds his deGroove.
The Mets swept this abbreviated series with a decisive victory over Baltimore. For a game at least, the hitting looked almost formidable. Herrera gave us a glimpse of what has the scouts so excited for his future, turning in three-for-three performance, including his first home run of the year. Herrera’s heroics were supplemented by solid nights from Curtis Granderson, Kevin Plawecki and Michael Cuddyer.
Granderson, in fact, almost got the Mets off to a flying start when his long fly ball off Ubaldo Jimenez was hauled in at the wall to lead off the game. His reward would come in the third, when he hit a ball significantly harder and higher, into the right field stands. By then, the Mets already had a 1-0 lead, courtesy of walks to Cuddyer and Plawecki, followed by Herrera’s clutch single with two outs in the second. The Mets then did something they don’t normally do: tack on extra runs. Herrera’s two-run shot in the sixth required replay assistance, but was a homer, nonetheless.
For his part, deGrom looked the sharpest he has all season. Reaching back 2014-style, he mowed through the Os like a John Deere rider. In seven innings, he struck out 9 and walked one, bringing his season’s ERA back below 3.00. He ran into trouble in the fifth, but coolly navigated the disturbance, surrendering a bare run. With the score 3-0 and one out, he hit Everth Cabrera in the foot, then gave up a base knock to Travis Snider, pinch hitting for Jimenez, that moved Cabrera to third. Alejandro De Aza laid down a surprise bunt, but deGrom threw to third, nailing Cabrera before he could return to the base. Jimmy Paredes followed with an RBI single. deGrom then walked Adam Jones to load the bases in front of the ever-dangerous Chris Davis. Davis worked the count to 2-0, then 3-1, before deGrom induced a foul ball, then a wild swing at a pitch in the dirt.
All in all, this was a game that harkened back to the middle weeks of April, when all the Mets could do was win. As they head into Philadelphia for the weekend, a new streak could be on the boil.
Excited about the outings for JDG and The Dilson.
I would have pulled JDG after six innings but he got out of the 7th okay. Not sure why it was necessary to use Familia in the 9th with a four-run lead. I would have preferred to use three relievers for an inning apiece. Instead we needed three relievers for two innings. Off day tomorrow so everyone gets rest.
It makes you wonder how TC would handle actual meaningful games during a stretch drive.
18-10, First Place and that is what matters the most.
It was a good move by Sandy to bring up Herera at this time and see if he is ready. If tonight is an indication that he is then I would not be surprised to see he slide over to SS when Wright gets back. The only flaw in that thinking is that Tejada would have to pass through waivers. Tejada, unfortunately, is the only experienced major league SS on the roster. It would be too risky to lose him at this point. The best solution is a trade for either Castro or Tulo and then losing Tejada won’t matter as much.
The use of Familia tonight was unnecessary.
The Orioles are a good team and the Mets were better both nights. Would like a Phillie sweep but 2 of 3 will do. First Place, that’s what matters.
Terry Collins, Mets GM:
25 man roster:
8 position players
1 switch hitting utility player (Emilio Bonafacio?)
5 starting pitchers
11 relievers (6 righties and 5 lefties)
Everyone over 30 years old
Damn Texas i wonder what the Mets would have to do to actually satisfy you lol
Jake, I’m happy with their success. But, Collins has never once given the confidence that he understands game situations. During the 11 game win streak, he stayed out of the way and sometimes it’s important to know that things are going well, leave them alone.
Alex Torres had no business being pulled. He gave up one base runner in a four run game, and that is on the heels of coming in with the bases loaded and no outs against the Nats and striking out the next three guys, not allowing a run. Would you pull him after one guy gets on? Collins really has no clue.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how Herrera can develop into a starter- and maybe a starter at some all-star games.