Steven Matz pitched six strong innings, Pete Alonso drove in two runs and Jeff McNeil hit his first home run of the year to lead the Mets to a 5-1 victory over the Phillies in the first of a three-game set at Citi Field Monday night.
After getting lit up in his last start against these same Phillies, Matz was in control much of the night. He was also helped a bit by some close calls by the home plate ump. Bryce Harper was less than thrilled with the calls that went against him and when he thought his teammate was getting bad calls, too, he let umpire Mark Carlson what he really thought and ended up being ejected for the 12th time in his career.
Matz allowed just three hits in six innings and fanned six. He picked up his first win at home since April 13, 2018, 15 games since his last Citi Field victory.
Alonso had an RBI double in the third inning and plated his second run of the game when he was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the seventh. McNeil’s homer came in the fifth inning, right after Jake Arrieta did not get a call on a pitch he believed was a strike.
Mickey Callaway opted to use his three best relievers to close out the game. Seth Lugo, Jeurys Familia and Edwin Diaz each contributed a hitless frame, making the Mets 10-0 this year in games they’ve led after the sixth inning.
Speaking of Bryce “intemperate” Harper, I noticed that he bunted for a base hit in a game where he went 5 for 6, I think. From the POV of his opponents, and taking sabermetrics into consideration, do we want to see Bryce bunting as much as his heart desires?
Everyone asks – Why don’t they just bunt against the shift? Harper shouldn’t be questioned for doing it; he should be applauded for doing it.
Last night, Conforto could have put down a bunt on the left side because there was no one on the left side. The first base runner could easily have made it to Third . Finally the Mets have enough batters after Conforto that can now knock that runner in. Philly has a good offense to keep the line going also. A couple of bunts and the shift will be no longer
I wanted to comment on Harper’s tantrum, but instead I’ll only make my points about the Mets. I was glad to see Guillorme brought up to give Rosario a rest. Rosario has played with much pressure on his shoulders and while we mocked Alderson’s for his roster makeup, I don’t see BVW’s being any better.
The win was great and I still would like to see Lugo in the rotation over Vargas. I think Matz has promise but he doesn’t have the movement and when he misses his spots the ball can go a long way.
I’d like to see Smith go down for some regular playing time and Blanco to come up and give a real outfielder as a backup. Then, use Frazier as a backup to the wonderling and play McNeal at third. Wondering why Nimmo hasn’t broken out yet, but he’s hitting it hard so it’s coming. Conforto just missed a grand slam tonight, and Realmuto is the real deal behind the plate.
Poor Dominic, the hits are falling in, he has a 1.057 OPS and is playing nearly every day as either a PH or defensive replacement and people want to bust him to the minors. And for 35 year old Gregor Blanco and his .656 OPS in Syracuse. When we last saw Blanco in the majors, he was putting up a .580 OPS over 203 PA. He hasn’t been worthwhile since 2015. His last three years in the majors he has a .635 OPS over 733 PA.
Don’t we have solid defense/crappy offense from an OF covered with Juan Lagares and Keon Broxton?
Dom hasn’t disappointed, and I haven’t been able to follow much Mets this year, but I know he isn’t getting consistent at bats if Alonso is always playing. I’d like to see him stay sharp, but I get your point.
Gut reaction the Mets are back in first place and still are not running on all cylinders. This was a crisp played game and Matz rose to the occasion.
Peter Alonso is a complete player, meaning he’s not only physically gifted he is mentally prepared for the game. His post game interview was enlightening that I young player like that knows how to play the game.
The squirrel is going nuts.
You can tell that it was the first game of the homestand because Callaway burned his bullpen.
Really, Frazier with his sub 700 OPS in 2018 is going to play over Davis. Really?
Nice game, first place, but let’s win this series. LGM
In the bottom of the 8th they showed Edwin Diaz and Jacob Rhame warming up and in the Game Chatter I said — I don’t want to see either of those pitchers come into the game. It’s too bad they didn’t score more in the 7th inning. If they had gotten the lead up to six runs, I might have felt safe using Rhame.
As for Frazier, I’m thinking his leash isn’t very long. If he’s not hitting, he’ll find himself on the bench. But I have to say it was nice to see balls hit to third base where there wasn’t fumbling in the glove for the ball and double-clutching. If nothing else, Frazier can be like Dom and come in for a late inning defensive boost.
McNeil should be playing 3rd and Davis in left field.
It should be Lowrie forcing Davis to the bench and probably forcing Broxton to be waived
Frasier should be a bench player but should get at bats and if Rosario doesn’t right himself he might get some shortstop starts.
BTW the Mets defense sucks.
Great win. And just as important, solid performance from Matz. Lets hope there is discord in the Philly clubhouse. Arrieta was not pleased with Harper, nor should he be.
Papelbon II. ? Is Harper Philly Phanatic! Or is Harper the Philly Psychotic!