The New York Mets made a grand entrance to Boston on Friday night, as they slugged their way to an 8-0 victory over the Red Sox.
The Mets set a tone for their offensive performance in the first inning of the game, as a Jay Bruce doubled to drive in Michael Conforto. This would be the beginning of a successful night for Bruce who, with his four RBIs, drove in half of the Mets runs this evening. His other three RBIs came in the fourth inning, when he belted a three run home run. He wasn’t the only Met to belt one out tonight though, as Austin Jackson hit a two run home run, and Amed Rosario and Jeff McNeil each hit a solo home run.
On the mound for the Mets was Noah Syndergaard, who had another solid outing, was able to earn the win tonight. Never facing too much pressure, Syndergaard was able to handle one of the better lineups in baseball. He allowed three hits over his seven innings of work, striking out six and walking three. Possibly his most important stat of the game was that he was able to pick off a base runner.
This was a big moment for Syndergaard, as he had allowed three stolen bases prior to picking off Ian Kinsler. Kinsler, who had been aggressive earlier in the game, became too aggressive in leading off of first in the seventh inning. Syndergaard was able to fire off a throw to first and nab Kinsler for the second out. The third out of the inning came curtesy of McNeil, who was able to sprawl to his side to nab a line drive from Jackie Bradley Jr.
My Gut Reaction from this game is that the Mets are playing like the season still has meaning to it. For some of the players, they are playing for a spot on next year’s team. In one case, someone is pitching to try to earn an award. Either way, the way that they have been playing in September has simply been refreshing.
The Mets will be back in action tomorrow, as Corey Oswalt will battle against Rick Porcello at Fenway Park at 4:05 pm.
Noah’s ERA now sits at 3.26 compared to Wheeler’s 3.23 – it will be fun to see which guy ends up with the better mark.
Mets are now 10-3 in September.
My gut reaction is that Bruce is healthy and hitting like the middle order batter that he is as this game and the previous games attest to that. I think he will be the 2019 starting first baseman when the season starts. He will also reps in the Outfield because Callaway rests his players.
This game also proves the age-old adage that good pitching stops hitting. If the Mets pitching can stay healthy then this rotation is perfect for a run on the 2019 World Series.
I like to root for the underdog and young player so I hope Oswalt pitches better then Vargas did in his last start. LGM
So, two Carolina boys are well and give us the opening chirps. Nice to see. Where’s the third?
The double steal against Syndergaard should be called “team indifference”. How in the world, with two men on, do you shift your third baseman to shortstop and put your shortstop at second base? Who’s covering third? Who can get to second in time when first base is not being held on? That was the stupidest decision I have seen all year, and blaming Syndergaard for that is the official scorer’s mistake. I mean, the catcher caught the ball and just tossed it back to the pitcher since no one was covering either base anyway. You allow two guys to get into scoring position so early in the game when the score is 4-0?
Otherwise, nice W. Oswalt today? I’m covering my eyes. If he can throw three innings, I’d be ecstatic. I guess he’s better than Vargas… Then comes the bullpen… Bad matchups today all around. It will need to be a barn burning win, 12-11.
Gus, you took the words right out of my mouth. That was the kind of play that makes me lose faith in the coaching staff. That aside, I love the way this team is playing now and t makes me excited for next season.