The Mets took the rubber game of the home 3-game series, beating the Pirates 6-4
behind another terrific pitching outing from the ageless Bartolo Colon.
Colon also contributed at the plate, slugging a double, clumsily advancing to third on a single, before scoring on a sac fly. This guy knows how to entertain a crowd. Colon, at 43-years-old, and a physique like John Goodman, was just expected to hold a rotation spot until Zach Wheeler returns in July. But, now at 6-3 with an ERA of just 3.01, he’s been a very valuable part of this team in 2016. If the rest of the staff stays healthy and Wheeler returns to form, Bart will make a great sixth starter and either a long man or even a setup man. Heck, maybe he could even pinch hit. For however long he remains a Met, it’s sure fun to root for him!
The Mets brought the bats tonight with three home runs from Curtis Granderson, Michael Conforto and Neil Walker. Colon left after surrendering a homer in the 8th and Jerry Blevins got the final out of the inning. With a four run lead, Terry Collins went to Addison Reed for the ninth, but Mets announcer Gary Cohen jinxed him by citing a stat about how unhittable Reed has been all season against leadoff batters. Naturally, Andrew McCutcheon jacked one over the wall for a homer and the next two batters hit long doubles off Reed and then Jeurys Familia, who finally shut it down to secure the win.
The best news of this game is it appears Conforto may have finally broken out of his slump with two hits and a homer. Let’s go Mets!
The offense has produced 17 runs the past two games. Now to beat up on Atlanta.
What impressed me was in these last two games: 30 hits!
30!
3, 0!
When this team plays fundamentally sound, hit the ball where it’s pitched, and put those five guys on the bump, it will win plenty. Hope they keep this state of mind. Homeruns will still come, but solid contact has always been the best strategy.
It’s hard to hit when you’re hurting, especially something like a wrist.
Nice night, nice crowd. It was a good atmosphere at Citi. Very relaxed.