Four pitchers combined on a six-hit shutout, lifting the Mets to a 5-0 win over the Nationals Wednesday afternoon and a sweep of the three-game series. It was the ninth shutout of the season for the Mets and the first time this year they’ve blanked their opponent in back-to-back games.
You know things are pretty good when the Mets put 13 runners on base, score five runs and it feels like a so-so offensive performance. The hitting star of the day was Tomas Nido, who went 4-4 while hitting in the ninth spot in the order, with a run and 3 RBIs.
Francisco Lindor hit a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning, giving him an RBI in 10 straight games. He becomes just the second Met to turn that trick in franchise history, joining Mike Piazza, who did it two times. Lindor now has 20 RBIs in the past 10 games.
Regular playing time is agreeing with J.D. Davis, who had two more hits. He’s now 10-23 with a walk in his last six games.
Carlos Carrasco pitched in and out of trouble in his five innings. Seth Lugo went two innings and was followed by Adam Ottavino and Edwin Diaz. Lugo has now allowed 4 ER in his last 17 IP, good for a 2.12 ERA. Yet people think he’s struggling.
Up next is the series everyone has been waiting for – a four-game set against the Dodgers. The Mets are 8-26 against the Dodgers since 2016, including last year when they went just 1-6. If they want to be considered one of the top teams in the league, they’ll have to do more than just play close games against L.A.
Call me BoomBoom “Crow” Armstrong as I’m crowing about my two sweep prediction coming true. If only I were a betting man. (Oh wait I am, but I didn’t bet this…darn).
For my next prophesy – a 7-3 road trip. 3-1 against the Dodgers (win tomorrow, lose Friday, win Sat/Sun with Peterson and Williams on the mound, oh yeah!). 2-1 against the Padres. 2-1 against the Angels.
We are now officially outpacing the 86 team in wins. Holy moly.
Gut Reaction: a sweep on the home stand. Good job BoomBoom!
Carrasco gut it out with 5 score innings. Experienced pitching.
I tip of the cap to Lindor our All Star shortstop. Nido was the offensive star. Showalter said Nido will get the majority of the catching starts. I think the problem is that Mazeika isn’t in sync with the pitchers.
I’m looking forward to the Dodgers series. Too bad that we don’t have deGrom and Scherzer. A split would be satisfactory. LGM
I think ultimately this read trip is a media fabrication — hungry for meaning — and it’s just not that big a deal. It won’t prove or disprove anything about the Mets.
For the Mets to go deep in the playoffs, we all know that deGrom and Scherzer are going to need to be performing. Just as we know, regardless of these 10 games, that the Mets are one of the top 5 teams in the NL. Dodgers aren’t where they are going to be in October, either.
It was a nice win today. I don’t view the West Coast trip as any kind of test, instead just three series against West Coast teams. Let them worry about us. Got love Guillorme. No hits, but walked three times and scored two runs.
Totally agree — and I’m sorry I just posted the same sentiment before reading yours.
Dodgers looking vulnerable at the right time… Mets have to pitch and play D and win some close games. They are loose… Dodgers not so much after Bucs sweep.
It’s the Dodgers, so they can’t be taken lightly, but swept by the Pirates? At home?? After losing two of three in Pittsburgh two weeks ago? Wow!
Tomas Nido’s rocket single that drove in two hit the side of the mound just perfectly and caromed back toward the position vacated by the shortstop that moved over and was in perfect position to field the ball had it not been redirected by circumstances. The Mets are living well and everything looks rosy. Let’s hope that wave never crashes.
Szapucki tonight gave up 2 runs in four innings with six strikeouts against the AAA Nationals, who might be as good as the MLB Nationals. I hope thekid gets another chance, but he isn’t a starter. Bullpen only.
Tim Healey tweeted this tonight:
“Dodgers radio broadcast, as the Dodgers are about to get swept by the Pirates: “It’s not going to get easier for the Dodgers. The Mets are on their way.””
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From the bizarre department, the Padres told Robinson Cano that they want to option him or he will be released. LOLLLLLLLLLLLL I am sure he would not mind…
Looks like were gonna sadly miss out on seeing our old friend Robinson Cano in SD, as he was just released. He was hitting a solid .091.