Jacob deGrom was terrific and he combined with Adam Ottavino and Edwin Diaz to hold the visitors to just one run, as the Mets downed the Dodgers, 2-1, Wednesday night at Citi Field. The two best teams in the NL have played six games and they are tied 3-3.
As wonderful as deGrom was, he got a huge assist from Brandon Nimmo, who made an outstanding catch to rob Justin Turner of a home run in the seventh inning. Nimmo, who plays a fairly deep center field, got on his horse and ran to the wall, leapt, and had the ball roll around in his glove before he finally secured it. When he landed with the ball in his glove, he gave a giant fist pump. deGrom raised his cap to Nimmo in appreciation. All Turner could do was grimace over his lost homer.
It’s amazing to think that after the 2020 season, there were a bunch of people who felt that Nimmo wasn’t an MLB-quality center fielder. It was probably the majority opinion. Even after his strong 2021 defensive season, plenty of people felt Starling Marte would take over for Nimmo in center. But Nimmo has made himself into a solid defensive player in center. Yeah, his arm’s not much. But he covers ground and makes the plays.
Speaking of Marte, he followed up a Nimmo opposite field single with a two-run homer in the third inning, giving deGrom all of the runs he would need and all of the runs he would get. The homer went 411 feet. Marte now has an .821 OPS on the year.
deGrom allowed just three hits and one run in seven innings, his longest outing of the season. He struck out nine and lowered his ERA to 1.98 for the year. And while in his CY Award years he couldn’t get a decision (win) to save his life, he now is 4-1 in six games since returning from the IL. He won’t be able to replicate last year’s outstanding numbers but 2018’s 1.70 ERA is a possibility. He’s just such great fun to watch and I hope you treasure watching him pitch as much as I do.
And if a deGrom win and a victory over the Dodgers wasn’t enough, the game was an incredibly crisp 2:19.
The seventh and final regular season game of the year between the Mets and Dodgers is on Thursday afternoon, with Chris Bassitt on the mound trying to give the Mets the series win.
Spectacular pitching, spectacular defense and timely hitting in an important game for the Mets.
Best game I’ve watched since the 2015 3-2 win over the Dodgers to win the NLDS.
Nice win and we needed to take advantage of what we expected to be another normal Jake start. And he did not disappoint. I’ve been lobbying to tie up Nimmo for 4-5 years for months. Marte not only starring at the plate but making some nice plays in the field. Canha had a great catch tonight. Seems like last year most of those balls would not have found our gloves. Is it too early to get excited about watching Max and Jake start off the playoffs only to bring Bassitt in next? Would love another series win tomorrow. LGM
Echoing others, that was one of the most enjoyable games to watch in a long while. He is such a master.
Someone else was quoted saying this, but i was thinking it too: you know in years past that whole Timmy Trumpet thing would have inevitably led to Diaz’ first blown save in 2 months and a Dodger win. This might actually be our year.
An amazing catch by Nimmo and thankfully two runs were enough. It’s telling that the Dodgers are starting three lefties against the Mets while having other options. They are testing the Mets weakness against lefties and succeeding, but the Mets pitching is coming up big!
Baty is out for the year, and yet the Mets still aren’t calling up Vientos. Is it to avoid pressure on Ruf (Eppler) or is there a better reason? Marrero, Gore, and Adonis… oh boy.
On Timmy Trumpet, I loved the idea and Cohen is really having fun with this team to fans’ benefit, but I found it hysterical that after he played the opening part of the song, he just danced around like a little kid and allowed the PA system to finish it. I would thank him and say “done that”.
Gut Reaction: The catch by Nimmo was thrilling. The pitching by deGrom was masterfully. On Introduction by Timmy Trumpet was a fun and inspiring. Diaz was again dominating. Lets not forget the Rodney Dangerfield Duo of Marte and Ottavino who are the perpetual supporting stars In many Met wins this year.
This afternoon the Mets have a chance to win yet another series. LGM
Ballsy, gutsy, delicious win. deGrom, Starling Par-tay, and Nimmo doing his best Endy impersonation, with Endy just having graced Citi the other day.
Theres that 18th win of the month I wanted. Hold it I just counted again, 19th win of the month!!!!!
19Ws, 11Ls. = .633 for the month. Gotta be *very* pleased with that.
So September rolls in today at 4:10. By my count there are only 2 games that should be close this month: today and Sept 30 against the Braves. In between is nothing but the cannon fodder of the MLB. There are 26 games in September.
I am predicting the Mets go 20-6 in September, for a .769 winning percentage. Yes, you heard me, 20-6.
By October 1, the Mets will be at 103 Wins with 5 left to play. I think they will win 3, and get to 108. I see the Mets finishing with the exact same record as the 86 Mets. A month ago Brian asked for final win totals for the season, and I came up with 105.
L F G M
The mayor going full-blown optimist!
This hasn’t happened since 2015. It’s really nice to see you turn away from the dark side, Chris
Im trying!
Im blaming Timmy Trumpet for the moment – in addition to ya know, the team, and Steve Cohen.
Ugh, in my joyous thinking, I failed to add properly. 103 + 3 = 106.
I see the Mets just falling short of 86, but its gonna be a damn fine ride until October.