The Mets continued their recent mastery over the Phillies with a 4-2 win Wednesday afternoon. Since the beginning of the 2015 season, the Mets are 40-19 against this division rival.
Conditions were less than ideal, as rain delayed the start of the game and both sides battled the wind throughout the game. Despite this the Mets jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, as Yoenis Cespedes cracked a two-run homer in the bottom of the first. The Mets’ final two runs also came on a big hit, as Amed Rosario delivered a two-run triple to right field.
Noah Syndergaard had an easy first inning but struggled mightily after that. He ended up surrendering his early two-run lead, in part because of a botched run down play with runners on first and third. Mickey Callaway ended up sending up a pinch-hitter for Syndergaard in the fourth inning.
It seemed like they could have gotten another frame out of Syndergaard but the Mets’ pen ended up making it the right decision. Robert Gsellman and Hansel Robles looked overpowering, AJ Ramos looked good and even Jeurys Familia didn’t induce much panic. Overall, the pen contributed five scoreless innings. For the season, the team’s relievers have allowed just 3 ER in 20.1 IP for a 1.33 ERA.
Gsellman in particular looked good in his two innings. Callaway had a decision to make when Gsellman’s came up to bat with a runner on base. He opted to go to his bench, sending up Wilmer Flores, who drew a walk to extend the inning, setting up Rosario’s heroics.
Mets pitchers finished the game with 15 strikeouts. Their hitters finished with 6 BB and 7 Ks.
Hat tip to Hansel Robles and his dominant return. Focusing on every pitch will keep him in the majors, getting comfortable and grooving pitches will put him in the minors.
Thinking it’s about time Bruce starts sitting some. Bruce is a .250 hitter and is playing the role, but as a #3 hitter that won’t do. If his type was such an important player, why was there little interest in him three straight trade deadlines and one off season? He’s a nice player, but I would not necessarily put him over Nimmo and Lagares now that Conforto is back. I’d rotate these guys somehow as they all bring something different and production wins games, not popularity.
Easily one of the coolest articles I’ve ever read from an athlete. Thor is the real deal. We’re lucky to have him.
https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/noah-syndergaard-mets-2018-mlb-opening-day