On the 48th anniversary of Secretariat’s monster win at Belmont, the Mets payed homage. Taijuan Walker was excellent and the Mets put up their best offensive night of the season, leading the Mets to a 14-1 win over the Orioles and a split of their two-game series in Baltimore
Walker struck out nine in seven innings and retired 13 straight at one point. And the run he gave up should come with an asterisk, as it certainly looked like he had Ryan Mountcastle struck out to end the inning but didn’t get the call. Mountcastle ended up driving in the only run of the game for the Orioles.
Meanwhile, the Mets’ offense pounded out six home runs and 16 hits. Much like the previous day, Pete Alonso got the Mets on the board in the first inning, hit a two-run homer, this time off Matt Harvey. Billy McKinney and Kevin Pillar each hit two homers for the Mets and Mason Williams also homered in his return to Baltimore, where he played in 2019-20.
It was tough to see Harvey do a David Peterson imitation. In his two starts against the Mets this year, Harvey has allowed 14 ER in 7.1 IP. It’s doubtful he’ll be in the majors for very much longer at this rate.
Mets have an off day on Thursday and then the tough part of the schedule hits, as they host the Padres and Cubs before a slew of games against NL East rivals.
This game was so much about Walker. He settled down and lowered his ERA to close to 2. Where would we be without his arm. Some big bats tonight and Alonso does it again. Bring on the Pods.
Taijuan has become my favorite player. He exudes such confidence on the mound, so simply. He throws strike one. Maybe he’s the answer for Peterson… just follow Taijuan around and do what he does… emulate him on the mound. Problem solved.
Gut Reaction: Walker should get considerable consideration for the All Star game. He has 5-2 record ,with the 5th best ERA and the 1st best in HR/9 in the NL. He would be the ace for some staffs. This game was another solid performance.