Matt Harvey still has a minor home run problem. The answer, it appears, is more home runs. Those solution homers came from the home team for a change, as Harvey hit his first career round-tripper to drive in the winning runs. Lucas Duda hit his second home run in as many games for the first time since May 29th, and for only the second time this season. Even Ruben Tejada got in on the action and hit his second dinger of the year.
Harvey’s first homer was retribution after David Peralta took him deep in the first with a man on base. He’s allowed less home runs in the past five starts than he did June 10th versus the Giants alone, so he has improved greatly in that respect. However, over seven innings Harvey walked four and has now walked nine batters in his last two games. His BB/9% per game has been 3.00 or over just twice in his first 14 starts. In his last three starts, it hasn’t been below 3.00. His strikeouts tonight were impressive, especially since he hadn’t recorded a K/9% per game in the double-digits since June 4th versus these same D’Backs. It just still feels like Harvey is right outside of his groove. He has the velocity and the control at times to still shut a team down, like he did tonight. If he can continue to reign in those home runs, and fine some early-season command regarding walks, he will start to dominate again.
Nice to see Harvey cruising after the first inning. Now we just need to score a run without hitting a homer.
4 runs on 4 hits.Very efficient.Not sustainable though.
Vast improvement for Mets pitchers at the plate this season. Last year they contributed nothing.
Michael Baron posts show interesting stats on twitter.
As of two days ago: “Noah Syndergaard with an oppo single. #Mets pitchers now at .170, their pinch hitters at .144. #Mets”
Fascinating to watch former flamethrower Bobby Parnell become the crafty off-speed artist sandwiched between Harvey and Familia, both throwing gasoline.
It’s almost as if he’s more effective by flashing an alternative look than if he came out with 95+ MPH.
You think? Collins doesn’t seem to agree; last Wednesday he brought Parnell in to protect a three run lead in the 9th. Infield single, ground out, single to centerfield, and even though no runs were in and the double play was set up, Parnell was out of there.
It’s pretty much always been the case that pitchers without the big fastball have to prove themselves every time out.
The same winning formula, great starting pitching with Harvey, two or three runs (although lately the offense has been hot and mustered 4 runs, sarcasm intended) and turn the ball over to Familia. One game behind in the wildcard.
Oh if only we could have mixed the winning formula on June 30th and July 1st in 1-0 and 2-1 losses vs the Cubs. Two games behind for the division lead. Oh if only we could have mixed the winning formula on May 2nd and 3rd in back to back 1-0 losses to the Nationals. The standings would sure be looking better with the Mets on the inside instead of gazing hopefully from the outside. Two more moderate bats, one for the infield and one for the outfield, would go a long way toward playing October baseball.