It was a close call towards the end, but the Jeurys Familia was able to shut the door on the Marlins in the bottom of the ninth, catapulting the Mets to a 4-2 victory.
Once again, the offense of the Mets set a tone that would stick throughout the game. It started early, as the veterans of this team yet again proved their value. Following a Todd Frazier leadoff walk and an Asdrubal Cabrera single, Adrian Gonzalez stepped up to the plate. He punched a single into right field, allowing Frazier to be knocked in for the first run. Kevin Plawecki then grounded into a double play to drive in Cabrera, making it a 2-0 game.
In the next inning, Amed Rosario led off with a double. He was later plated on a Jay Bruce single, making it a 3-0 game. My Gut Reaction from watching this game is that the Mets are bringing a new, wiser approach to at bats this season with runners in scoring position, and it has paid dividends.
On the mound for the Mets was Noah Syndergaard, looking to not only have his first elite start of the season, but also to give his bullpen a break. He turned in six innings, allowing 5 hits, one earned run, and striking out five. While this isn’t the normal high strikeout total for Syndergaard, he looked great when escaping high pressure situations.
The score was 3-2 in the top of the seventh, and Rosario delivered again for the Mets. He drove in Gonzalez, making the score 4-2.
Hansel Robles, Jerry Blevins, A.J Ramos and Familia combined for three scoreless innings out of the pen, which once again proved to be clutch.
On Tuesday, the Mets will again play the Marlins at Marlins Park at 7:10, and the pitching matchup will be between Jacob deGrom and Caleb Anderson.
Correction: Caleb Smith
I won’t begin to question Callaway as he has this crew firing on all cylinders and seems be making very thoughtful decisions. However a few moves surprised me last night.
– Robles in a high leverage spot? Why not Sewald? He hasn’t pitched in a week. Did he fall out of favor?
– Why no defensive replacements in the OF in the late innings? Conforto or Nimmo May have caught that ball that Bruce couldn’t quite get to that went for a double.
Excellent questions Matt. I too wonder about the lack of defensive replacements in the late innings. Hasn’t been one all year. Additionally, as much as the bullpen has been used, not using Seewald at all is really, really mysterious.
Of course it’s a long season with ups and downs, with full circles and all of that. But this is sure enjoyable.
I don’t know if this is a good or a bad thing but the starting rotation’s performance hast uneven. Once those guys find their balance things might get scary.
Cespedes was quoted as saying: “best team I’ve ever been on…we will keep proving it.” Amen.
Oh and Matt, I yelled it at my TV last night: why are the outfielders out there after the 12 innings and the long flight to Miami? It was a great opportunity to rest some and play others.
Pete, two things from the radio guys:
1. Callaway went to every starter and asked him if he wanted a break tonight; all said no.
2. The Mets skipped batting practice to work on defense and relays before the game. Josh and Howie said that it’s rare to see a team skip batting practice to work on fundies during the season.
It’s nice to see the team’s coaches are well grounded and not missing details. I agree with Matt and Metsense, and listening to that game also thought that when the ball went passed Bruce’s glove in the ninth. Interested to see if they handle it the same way again next time.
The bullpen has been sensational. Rosario batting ninth has been paying dividends. A late inning defensive move to Lagares would have made sense. It is a good feeling to have deGrom back to back with Thor.
The Mets have been taking advantage of the breaks given to them by their opponents and tonight we got the 2 deciding runs from them.
The first was when the catcher missed a foul popup from Bruce that was tough but could have been caught and would have been out number 3. He went on to drive in Rosario for the 3rd run.
Then in the 7th Bour was trying to go for an inning ending double play but threw away the ball and it set up runners at the corner with 1 out for Rosario, who drove in the 4th run.
The Double Play w bases Loaded/none out…started by Rosario—surprising and fantastic outcome. Rosario made that play so easily! He obviously had a good pre-read in his head, because the ball and lead runner would have usually spelled Killing the Lead Runner. That pick and throw, and the turn at 2nd by Limpy—that was Superior Major League Stuff!…as good a double play as you’ll ever see.
Rosario is a long, lanky guy… you don’t get that immediate pop that Wow he’s fast!…Wow He’s Quick!…Wow, He’s packing Power!!…. you watch for a few games and it becomes very apparent.
That DP got my attention as well. Certainly a play which wouldn’t have been made last year.