Taijuan Walker pitched a terrific game, retiring the last 18 batters he faced, and the Mets put so many runners on base that even they were able to score a few runs, which resulted in a 4-1 win for the Mets and a split of the four-game series in St. Louis.
Walker allowed just one hit over seven innings and did not walk a batter. He struck out eight in the appearance and lowered his ERA for the year to 2.38 in 34 IP. With the Mets transferring Carlos Carrasco to the 60-day IL before the game, there’s more pressure on Walker to give quality innings. He’s done that remarkably well so far in 2021.
Meanwhile, the Mets had nine hits and 11 walks but managed just four runs – three which came on bases loaded walks – as they set a franchise record for LOB in a nine-inning game with 17. And while it’s hard to be encouraged by that, there were some good signs in the game. The sub-Plaweckian crew all contributed today. Francisco Lindor had three walks and ended his hitless streak with a single to right. Dominic Smith had an RBI single and James McCann had a two-hit game.
Trevor May replaced Walker in the eighth inning and continued his fine pitching with a scoreless frame. His season line now stands at 11.1 IP, 2 ER, 2 BB and 16 Ks. Edwin Diaz came on in the ninth and put two runners on base but kept the Cardinals from scoring, earning his fourth save of the season.
Taijuan continues to throw quality games as he tries to come all the way back from the injury period of his career. Especially impressive is his ease of release for the mid-90’s, as well as his low base on balls. Location of his pitches seems his strength, and that gives me the most confidence in his effectiveness.
This was a weird game that was one swing away from getting away from the Mets. Maybe this is what we get with Diaz… nothing as easy as we’d like it. I guess we should be happy with a road split, but without Molina, this Cards team was a helluva lot easier. Maybe the Mets starting pitching will absolutely be the team strength… bodes well for a decent season… gotta believe the hitting will come around.
Gut Reaction: this game was an optometrist dream. The Mets had a eye for strike zone and Walker was eye opening. Now just read the chart.
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If only they could hit with RISP!!!
great one Metsense!