Although it took a suspended game, buckets of rain, and a myriad of infield hits, the New York Mets eventually dropped their 11 inning affair to the Chicago Cubs 2-1.
This game was the textbook definition of what a pitcher’s duel is. With two elite pitchers, Jacob deGrom and Cole Hamels, on the mound, the result that the fans received from the two aces could have been predicted. deGrom elevated his game to an elite level on a night where his main competitors for the CY Young Award, Max Scherzer and Aaron Nola, were on display against each other. The statistics from deGrom are stellar, as he finished Tuesday night with eight innings pitched, allowing eight hits, and one walk while striking out 10. Sadly for deGrom, the one earned run that he allowed cost him, and he landed with a no decision.
The eight hits that deGrom allowed may be a deceiving stat, as a lot of the hits that he allowed were in the infield, or just out of reach of infielders trying to snag the ball in the outfield. My Gut Reaction is that deGrom, who has been elite all season long, is only beginning to up his play as the CY Young race becomes closer. Luckily for the Mets, their ace also knows how to use a bat.
deGrom was the only Met to register an RBI in the game, and this came through him hustling down the first baseline to earn his second infield hit of the game. Also swinging a productive bat in the game was Amed Rosario, who did his job at the top of the lineup by recording three singles. Over all though, it was a disappointing affair for Mets hitters, as they failed to capitalize on several run scoring opportunities.
The Cubs were able to break the 1-1 stalemate in the bottom of the 11th, when with the bases loaded, Ben Zobrist singled up the middle.
The Mets will have to rebound quickly however, as they are scheduled to play the Cubs soon after the end of this one. Jason Vargas will take on Alec Mills in the second game of today’s slate.
Mets had plenty of chances in this game. Disappointing that they lost, disappointing that it even went into extra innings.
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Conforto alone stranded at least 5 runners logging the old school strikeouts swinging at all the junk Hamels threw his way.
Same old, same old, but nice to see deGrom make a fool out of Javier Baez by beating out an infield hit that Baez tried to style.
God bless that Sewald. Can’t let him get away.
We were destined to lose this one after McNeill’s triple. Two hard hit line drives found an infielder. Typical lack of support for Jake. Let’s hope he doesn’t hold it against the team this off season.
Offseason trades,
1. Conforto,dArnaud,Smith for Realmuto
2. Wheeler for Bradley Jr.
Compare and Contrast Rizzo’s approach at 2 Strikes with Runners on versus Conforto. In fact, Rizzo still struck out; however, Conforto is just giving away too much contact—especially with late/tight/2 outs.
I anticipate some big changes and advancement from Conforto for 2019—he needs a 2 strike/contact approach in his game at certain times. Every AB and Every swing is not the same—that works with a calculation over 700 PA’s—but game winning ab’s sometimes deserve a different approach, especially against good pitchers.
Agree 100%, and ditto for the other hitters as well. Eraff for 2019 hitting instructor!
Mad—nobody wants d;arnaud—including the Mets at 5 million. I’m not a fan of trading for a Catcher—other problems.
Jackie bradley has a 700 ops over the past 100 ab’s–wow…what are you thinking? I’d sooner bring back the guys they have.
Are you just trading guys you don’t like for guys you do? These make no sense
bradly is 700 ops over past 1000 abs
But he can play CF!
My gut reaction: deGrom’s demeanor like past Met pitcher : Tom Seaver . This winter, the Mets should extend deGrom (preferably low years and big bucks). This franchise should sign a bonafide superstar, who is home grown and who will probably also make HOF, The Mets haven’t many players to fit the bill, They should not squandered on opportunity. Extend deGrom .
The regard the game: The offense will improve because Bruce at is First and the defense is improving. If the pitching can keep up like have been the do and a free agent closer is signed then he Mets are an 2019 playoff team.