The Mets evened up their series with the Cubs thanks to a come-from-behind win, 5-4, Friday afternoon in Chicago.
The Mets unveiled a new outfield designed to get offense into the game, that featured Dominic Smith, Michael Conforto and Jeff McNeil going from left to right. And Conforto and McNeil did their parts, as they both homered in the game. McNeil also drove in the winning run with a single in the seventh inning.
Jason Vargas was unable to hold a 3-2 lead, as he served up a no-doubt 2-run blast to Addison Russell. Vargas went 4.2 IP and was removed for Brooks Pounders, who delivered 1.1 scoreless innings after pitching 0.2 innings on Thursday. Pounders ended up with the win, thanks to strong relief outings by Seth Lugo and Edwin Diaz. The latter looked especially sharp while picking up his 16th Save of the year.
The Mets’ pen finished with 4.1 scoreless innings one day after hurling 5.2 scoreless frames. The pen has (rightly) received a ton of criticism this year. Now, it’s time for the starters to live up to their reputation and give the bullpen a breather tomorrow.
It’s the new bullpen coach, who ironically, wasn’t good enough last year.
I still think there’s enough talent on this team to make a run, but they need to be honest with themselves and address the obvious weaknesses that their hubris can’t admit. Otherwise, just rebuild already.
Gut reaction: the Squirrel goes nuts! And it was mixed nuts at that, power offense, situation offense, versatility defense and heads up defense. Boris Badenov and the rest of the National League are saying” we got to get that moose (Alonso) and squirrel”.
Yesterday was a good good day for the Mets but what is going to happen today? Hey, watch the Mets pull a rabbit out of their hats!