It’s Daniel Murphy‘s world, we’re all just living in it. Papa Murph hit yet another big home run, this time to drive in David Wright who had a run-scoring double of his own in the previous at-bat. It was Wright’s first hit since Game 1 of the NLDS, but it was Murphy’s fourth home run in the last four games. MLB.com did the leg work, and stated “Murphy’s shot made him the eighth player in Major League history to homer in four straight postseason games, and the first in Mets history to homer five times in a single postseason. With five October homers, Murphy also matched Mike Piazza‘s franchise record for most career postseason long balls.” Oh and by the way, that was a very good 1-2 curveball nearly in the dirt that Murphy send along the right field foul pole
The other half of the winning combination was Noah Syndergaard‘s 5.2 innings of dominate pitching. He struck out nine, walked one and only allowed one run to score via a Kris Bryant double. Meanwhile Jon Niese, Addison Reed, Tyler Clippard and Jeurys Familia combined to allow just two hits over the final 3.1 innings. The Mets starters have so far stifled the young, potent Cubs offense, and hope to continue that trend when they travel to Chicago and the”friendly confines” of Wrigley Field.
These past two games have been impressive to say the least. This NLCS matchup was billed as great young pitching versus great young hitting. Yet only one of those things has shined thus far. The Mets, like they did with Los Angeles, have handled the opponent’s two best pitchers. They have the edge regarding starters moving forward into the Windy City and should realistically be able to come back home with a continued series lead. Or better yet, they may just come home to rest up for the World Series.
I was at the game last night and here were my thoughts.
1. MURPH!
2. It is flippin cold! Wherever baseball is held in November, it’s going to be brutal. How can MLB remedy this? Move up the schedule.
3. Duda looks lost at the plate but we all know he’s streaky. The question becomes, ride it out or plug in Cuddyer? (Or shift Murph over and insert KJ)
4. Cubs hitting the ball hard, fouling off pitches. No K’s for Reed, Clippard or Familia. They will start to string them together soon enough.
Great atmosphere. Great game. Love the Mets and I can’t wait for Tuesday!
Where were you sitting? I was there, too.
Two more lucky “stiffs”. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Chris B. !
Thank goodness that Arietta took thirteen pitches to settle down or they still may be playing.
Murphy may be playing himself into a QO. The extra revenue he has generated with his playoff heroics could cover the cost if he accepted it. This will make for some lively post season articles and discussion.
Niese also did a nice job and I am confident of his abilities in 2016 before Wheeler is ready.
It is great to be in the driver’s seat with a 2-0 lead and JdG starting in game #3. Let’s Go Mets !
I don’t think Murphy accepts a QO, so that’s the bare minimum the Mets could do at this point, and a no-brainer (draft pick).
If they want him, they have to make a fair market offer.
And another fine game by Granderson, stealing a HR with a leaping grab and then stealing a run by swiping two bases. He’s flying a bit under the radar between Murphy’s exploits and the pitching but Granny’s having a great playoffs, too.
Glad to see both Reed and Clippard coming into the game and getting it done.
I agree, Brian. Niese, too. Important to get the team involved. Robles & Johnson too, when the right time comes.
TC continues to make solid decisions.
BTW, Yoenis’s throw reminds us about the value of a 5-tool player. Even when slumping, he can help the team in other ways.