The Mets jumped out to a 3-0 lead but Noah Syndergaard and four relievers allowed 10 runs over a five-inning span, leading to a 10-7 win by the Phillies. Philadelphia took the crucial three-game series, 2-1.
Wilson Ramos and Robinson Cano homered in back-to-back ABs in the first inning, staking the Mets to an early lead. But it was mostly downhill from there.
Syndergaard pitched just five innings and was pinch-hit for in the bottom of the fifth. Ordinarily it might be worth a complaint to yank him after 78 pitches. But after he gave up runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings, it was difficult to be too upset with the decision.
Paul Sewald, Luis Avilan, Justin Wilson and Tyler Bashlor provided little relief, as they combined to allow six runs in 1.2 IP.
The Mets certainly had their chances, as 14 LOB would indicate. But the offense put up seven runs so it’s hard to blame them. This loss falls on the pitching.
The bullpen was clearly to blame but a playoff team does not leave 14 LOB. Had no problem hitting for Thor but Frazier simple stinks most of the time. We all knew he would get a change up on 3-2 and he just couldn’t adjust. Consider this year to be a great improvement in many ways and already looking to next year. This second wildcard spot is a tease with too many teams thinking they can maybe catch lightening in a bottle.
In 24 games this year, the Braves have left double digit runners on base, including 14 on April 6 and June 12. The Dodgers have had double digit LOB 22 times, including a game where they left 15 on base and another where they stranded 17.
The top 7 NL teams in total LOB for the year are over .500 — compare this to sacrifice hits, where only 3 of the top 6 teams are over .500 for the year.
Yeah, it’s frustrating to leave two runners on base inning after inning. But it’s more frustrating to allow 10 runs a game.