Dominic Smith and Kevin Pillar each hit solo homers and drove in two runs, as the Mets survived an early exit from Jacob deGrom to post a 6-3 win over the Cubs Wednesday night in Citi Field. It was the Mets’ fourth-straight win and pushed their record to 35-25. In last year’s 60-game season, the Mets were 26-34.
Despite the win, despite the six runs – the big news was deGrom leaving early. And if possible, deGrom was even more filthy than usual tonight. He pitched three innings and struck out eight of the nine batters he faced. But you could see him laboring on the mound and he did not come back for the fourth. Early word was that he was removed for shoulder soreness, which is different from the flexor tendon issue that caused his exit after six innings in his previous start. Regardless, deGrom now has a 0.54 ERA on the season.
Pillar ripped an RBI double to give the Mets the early lead and deGrom followed with an RBI single, giving his 6 RBIs compared to 4 ER on the year. Smith homered in the bottom of the third to extend the lead to three runs.
The Mets emptied out the bullpen once deGrom left, using six pitchers to finish out the game. Miguel Castro returned to the mound and looked good but the reliever who turned in the biggest performance was Trevor May, who looked like he was toying with the Cubs in his one inning of work.
The Cubs had just one hit through eight innings but tallied two runs in the ninth. Once it became a save situation, Luis Rojas brought in Edwin Diaz, who got the final out of the game.
After blowing a chance to sweep the Padres the last time they were in this situation, the Mets hope to finish off the Cubs with a win tomorrow in the close of their four-game series.
Another total team effort. Nice to see Nido hit a line drive… he was mired in a mini-slump. Pete also not seeing the ball real well.
Still hoping Lindor can get hot because Villar can’t be expected to maintain his OBP without some help. Dom gradually getting it together. Pillar remains a marvel.
But the Mets are finding ways to win. A solid bullpen cures may ills. Too bad Rojas had to use his closer for one out in a three-run game. Of course he didn’t have to, but winning is more important than being right, I guess. In NYC, it’s important to keep the media off your back, and winning has a way of doing that… just ask Aaron Boone.
Regardless of how the MRI comes out tomorrow, the Mets need to shut Jake down for 10 days. Not an ideal time, but better now with a 5 game lead in the division than in September. The team can hold serve for a bit. He’s too important.
It’s hard to believe, but the Mets with a five game lead, have the biggest lead in MLB. So far, this season has been really a lot of fun.
Gut Reaction: It isn’t really a true win when your ace leaves the game with a shoulder injury.
Maybe Dom is getting out of his slump. Pillar is having solid year for a fourth outfielder. May with his recent inconsistencies and Castro with his injury concerns pitched well. Gsellman should have gotten in the game for an inning. He last pitched on 6/8 and a tuneup would have been nice with the pending doubleheader on Saturday.
It is a shame that Diaz was used (or had to used) for a cheap save.
First Place and ahead by 5.0 games and 3rd in winning %.
It’s nice to see the Mets not beating themselves for a change. One factor in that unusual turnaround has to be the defensive improvement behind the plate. McCann has been quietly rock solid, especially given the horrific Wilson Ramos. More than any Mets catcher in recent memory, McCann seems a seeding influence, and Nido has provided little drop-off.
The infield defense is also much-improved. Lindor is an upgrade, Villar has exceeded expectations, and everyone that has played 2nd has excelled, including McNeil. Ridiculous to give Villar an error on that first grounder… the throw hit Pete in the glove knee high… it’s Pete’s error. The second ground ball was just a brain fart by Villar…. the short throw for the force at second was 45 feet away.
The outfield defense has been very decent. Dom has to be given credit for marked improvement… a better athlete than he gets credit. Pillar is steady, and McKinney has been a godsend. I like Williams a lot too… like to see him get more playing time.
I like this funky little team.
that would be “steadying influence”… damn the autocorrect.