Tylor Megill made a successful MLB debut, Corey Oswalt made a successful MLB return and Edwin Diaz closed things out with a 5-out save, as the Mets downed the Braves, 7-3, Wednesday night to earn a split of the four-game series.
The Mets gave Megill a big cushion early, exploding for five runs in the first two innings. Michael Conforto returned to the lineup and he hit a double and scored as part of a two-run first inning. The Mets then added three runs in the second, two of them coming on a home run by Francisco Lindor.
Meanwhile, Megill cruised through the first four innings but ran into trouble in the fifth. He gave up two walks surrounding a home run before he was pulled. Miguel Castro finished the fifth, Oswalt got seven outs and then Diaz got the final five.
Jeff McNeil, Lindor and Conforto – the first three batters in the Mets’ lineup – combined to go 7-13 with two walks. Life’s easier when the top of the order is that productive. Every Met starter had a hit except Kevin Pillar, who hit a couple of hard-hit balls but right at fielders.
After having so much trouble at the plate in the last week, the Mets finished with 13 hits in the game.
McNeil and Conforto have come back just in time. It appears the Mets offense was hitting the midnight toll lately and chariots were turning to pumpkins and chariot men to mice. The original starters are coming back and not a lick too early.
Megill and his Gooden-esque AA strikeout numbers was able to hold it together for his first major league start and it’s fair to expect a more comfortable outing next time out. Oswalt also showed very well in getting into his third inning pitched and saving bullpen usage.
Gut Reaction: The offense supported the starting pitching and that will be needed be done to maintain and increase their division lead.
Castro closed the door in the 5th and he didn’t allow the Braves to get back into the game. Although I would’ve not liked Megill to not be replaced until another runner was on base , it was a good move by Rojas. Likewise he made a good move replacing Oswalt with Diaz when he did. If your going to lose then you should lose with your best.
Gus, perfect analogy and I totally agree. Perhaps some more lineup depth will benefit Lindor as well as the pitchers.
Kudos to the Mets…even though they all count the same, this was a very important game to get, especially after building a 5-0 lead and getting the Bravos without Acuna. Nice jobs by Megill and Oswalt…wouldn’t it be just wonderful if these guys could hold their own for a few weeks.
Megill surprised me with four decent pitches. He may be more ready for the bigs than we thought.
I always thought Oswalt was a good piece on the staff. He a seemed to have a solid presence on the mound and was able to throw strikes with authority. Nice to see him back and contributing.
Let’s hope the offense is renewed and can hold their own. Now we need those from the RH side to warm up. Pillar’s been amazing… barrel after barrel, with little to show for it. Most consistent RH bat.
And here I was thinking I was the only Oswalt fan around.
There’s no hiding the fact that he hasn’t been good in the majors. But I still feel like he can be a contributor. Guess we’ll find out now. This will likely be his last chance with the Mets.