Wow, just wow. For just the second time since the All-Star break the Mets scored more than three runs, and boy did they ever score more than three runs. The 15 the Mets put on the board Saturday were just four less than the entire amount they cobbled together in their first two series back from the break. It was an onslaught of magnificent proportions. But like a old man sucking down Fiber One packets, it’s been irregular. Here’s hoping they can salvage some of those runs for future games too.
Tonight is about success, though. Of the starters, only Kevin Plawecki was left hitless as the Mets racked up a season-high 21 hits. Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Michael Conforto each had four, while Ruben Tejada, Daniel Murphy, new-Met Kelly Johnson, Lucas Duda and Matt Harvey each had multiple. Harvey also threw seven strong innings to boot. Nieuwenhuis made a stake for the starter centerfield job by collecting four RBI, while Conforto crossed home four times and reached base each time at bat in just his second game in the majors.
Terry Collins put his players on notice before the game; start producing, or ride the bench. The tough love is better late than never, and with any luck this will start a trend of good times. As this is the Mets were talking about, though, I’ll believe it when I see it again.
The best sign of the night were the two Duda homeruns. If he awakens then they have a legitimate power threat. Kirk, after being so bad, is pushing hard for a CF platoon. Tejada is putting together a solid offensive and defensive year and the team will be better when he ends up in the eighth hole ( because he is still their weakest hitter). Another possible platoon is Uribe/Murphy 3b and Flores/Johnson 2B. Pinch me, but that was a fine hitting display by Michael Conforto. Keith said ” there is your three hitter”. Too early to annoint any rookie that position but high praise from someone whose opinion we respect. TDA is due back within the week. The Dodgers have the daunting task of having to face JDG tomorrow.
But, the guy the Mets have to face tomorrow has 43 straight scoreless innings. I’d like to see Uribe in there tomorrow simply because he has ice in his veins and a confidence brought on by years and years of winning baseball.
Uribe can play SS in a pinch if needed, but to my chagrin, Tejada deserves to stay in there. Would like to see Johnson #2 (maybe Conforto after a few games) and Tejada #8 also. I don’t think there’s a way Tejada can fool me into believing in him completely.
I’m encouraged by the influx of talent…yes, especially Conforto!… But—- The Dodger pitcher may have Draft Pedigree, but he also has an 87mph fastball. The Mets rung up a Pitcher who is the equivalent of a AAAA Scrapper.
The big news last night was Harvey with a 90mph plus Slider for the first time this year.
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Was this the first game all year where both Flores and Lagares were on the bench? And we scored 15 runs?
Hey, this scoring runs thing was fun. Let’s do it again!
“Must have been a dream I don’t believe where I’ve been.
Come on, let’s do it again. ” from the album the “Mets Come Alive” or something similarly named.
Fine display. It’s always good to see something like this and hope that it ends up being the confidence booster this team seems to desperately need. Unfortunately they run into the Greinke 43 2/3 scoreless inning buzz saw today. Hopefully they keep the momentum going.
Greinke needs to take the day off and spend more time with his new baby.