The New York Mets were able to capture their opening game of the series over the San Diego Padres, 5-1.
After dropping two straight to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Mets were desperate to start the series with the Padres off with a win. That very urgency could be found throughout the lineup, but especially on the mound. Jacob deGrom proved why he is the true ace of the pitching staff as he bowled through the Padres lineup. Over 7.1 innings, deGrom didn’t allow an earned run, while he struck out eight. While his command wasn’t at 100 percent with his three walks, he certainly showed that he was more than capable of working through that.
My Gut Reaction from this game is that deGrom is the ace of this staff. Not only has he been the most capable starter this season, but last night he showed that he was able to win when the team really needed him to. While he may not pack the flashy style of Syndergaard, deGrom is truly among the elite in terms of pitching in baseball.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Mets were able to get on the board early and then add more runs later on for insurance. It was a rare instance where the Mets won without having to play from behind. After Asdrubal Cabrera opened the game with a double, Todd Frazier drove him in with a one out single to get the Mets on the board, 1-0. Later in the top of the seventh inning, with Juan Lagares and Jose Lobaton on base with singles, Cabrera stepped up to the plate and launched a home run, his fourth of the season, making the score 4-0. The next inning, Lobaton doubled to score Lagares, who was on base curtosy of a being hit by a pitch, making the score 5-0.
Out of the bullpen, the Mets were strong for the most part. After AJ Ramos and Jerry Blevins finished the eighth inning for deGrom without a problem, Matt Harvey came in to close out the game. He gave up a leadoff home run to Franchy Cordero, but was able to settle down and finish off the 5-1 victory.
With the win, the Mets improve their record to 16-8 on the season. They’ll play the Padres again Saturday night at 8:40 pm, when Jason Vargas makes his season debut against Joey Lucchesi in a battle of the southpaws at Petco Park.
During the game, Gary Cohen said the Mets had only won one series in San Diego since Petco Park opened. Friday night’s win upped their record to 19-32 since the park opened in 2004. And it’s not like the Padres have been awesome in this time period.
It’s fun to watch deGrom pitch.
I completely agree that deGrom is the #1 pitcher on this staff — and by some measure. You can see the difference in the make up. When things go a little sideways, he buckles down and most of the time works it through. Quite frankly, none of the other starters have that quality, Syndergaard included. deGrom is a pitcher and everyone else is a chucker. He has a plan. He knows how to get outs. He’s awesome. And Id be looking to lock him down ahead of anyone.
In the Times today:
Bruce has been taking grounders all week at first and when asked about moving said that he’s only an employee and will do whatever he’s asked to do. About time! Too, Callaway didn’t deny a move for Bruce coming, saying that whatever is best for the team will be done.
I’m going to faint. Who are these guys?
From Tim Healey at Newsday:
Jay Bruce this week on playing first base: “I told them I’m open to it. It’s not really my choice, but I’m open to it, you know? I’m an employee here.”
I suggest we treat this with some respect for the man. I dont see this as a solution.
The Mets gambled on a 36 year old rebounding from both injury and decline. It was a rotten gamble. And now they have an opportunity to replace the guy who had a .642 OPS last year and a .622 this year and get either Nimmo, who improves the offense drastically, or Lagares, who is the team’s best defensive player, into the lineup. Why isn’t this at least a temporary solution?
As I recollect, Jay Bruce asked for some no trade protection, and they gave him eight teams. I reckon they gave him the money, but wouldn’t commit to as much as he would have liked.
Chris, if it’s everywhere, it’s fair to say that AGone’s last game starting is Sunday against a righty, against the team he came into the majors with. Also, he got karma.