Turns out all the Mets needed to end their offensive woes was to play a doubleheader. The Mets took the opener, 5-1, and then followed with a 10-0 win in the nightcap. The sweep ups their record in twinbills this season to 14-4.
On the day that the club announced Max Scherzer was going on the IL, the Mets got outstanding pitching from their starters. Chris Bassitt and Jacob deGrom combined for 14 IP, 1 ER, 2 BB and 18 Ks. And that was with deGrom not having his best stuff. Still, with seven shutout innings, deGrom lowered his season ERA to 1.66 in 43.1 IP.
But as amazing as the starters were, the games today were all about the offense. After being outscored, 22-4, in their previous three games, the Mets pounded out 15 runs on 27 hits. And just for giggles, they added seven walks, all of which came in the second game.
There were so many hitting stars. Eduardo Escobar had six hits, with a homer in the opener and a four-hit game in the nightcap. Tyler Naquin had four hits, two runs and four RBIs, including the big hit in the opener, a 3-run homer. Pete Alonso also had four hits, Jeff McNeil had a 3-hit game in the nightcap and Francisco Lindo had two doubles and 3 RBIs in game two.
The Mets have an off day on Thursday and then open a series with the Marlins, who have been busy lately laying down for the Braves and Phillies. Wednesday’s 4-3 loss to the Phillies snaps a streak of nine straight games where the Marlins scored two runs or fewer. Hopefully there’s more offense for the Mets moving forward like they enjoyed Wednesday.
That’s more like it.
DeGrom is one start of 3 runs or fewer away from tying the major league record for such starts (39). And he currently sports the 3rd lowest ERA over a pitchers first 150 starts trailing Kershaw and Seaver – but not by much.
I expect a long winning streak from here – maybe 8 or 9 games. The Braves won’t see first place again this season.
Gut Reaction: And order Is restored. The sky is not falling. With deGrom, Scherzer and Bassitt their rotation is solid. Only one run scored by the Pirates in the DH. Pitching, pitching, pitching. When its combined with hitting they get these results.
If the Mets win 2 of 3 every every series, which is likely, they’ll be in good position to win the division. If the Braves win on their current pace , 3 out 4, which it highly unlikely, then I tip my cap because they deserve it. Therefore, keep what their doing and take 2 of 3 in Miami. LGM
What I find interesting is that we all sensed that deGrom did not have his best stuff yet when you look at the end result he struck at eight, walked one batter which I’m sure was distressing to him, and he allowed no runs through seven innings. It is so odd to see anyone get a hit off of him, let alone the first batter. Interestingly, with all of the outs that he got with the ball being in play, it allowed him to coast into the later innings not throwing that many pitches. Escobar has made the most out of reclaiming 3B although we are all anxiously awaiting the return of Guillorme. Hoping Pete’s 4 hit night gets him out of his funk. Yes this was only the lowly Pirates but you would not have thought that from the night before. Nice to be ahead in the standings once again. It was fun to watch a long overdue blowout with contributions up and down the lineup but I’m sure as loyal Mets fans we were also thinking save some runs for the next game. Starts up again on Friday against the Fish. One game at a time. Thinking Petersen with Max down, and then Cookie and Walker are in line. Got to keep those bats going. LGM
My wife took me to the game for my 70th birthday. It’s been decades since I’ve seen the Mets in person. We were planning to go to the game on Labor Day, but it was postponed. I was glad we missed Walker given how he pitched on Tuesday. To get DeGrom in the evening was great. It was a beautiful night for baseball. Attendance was just under 10,000 but there were so many fans with Mets colors and caps that you couldn’t be blamed for thinking PNC Park had become Citi Field West. Pirates fans were listless, but Mets fans were pretty vocal throughout the game, especially the obnoxious fellow sitting a few seats away. But even he couldn’t spoil the game. DeGrom got a nice standing ovation when he finished the 7th inning. I was especially glad to see Vogelbach get two hits. At one point everyone in the lineup had two hits, but Vo was hitless in four at-bats. It was nice to see him get his hit. Late in the game, both teams did a fair amount of substituting. Who is Terence Gore and Alex Claudio? It was a lot of fun watching Pirate hitters flail away at Claudio’s stuff, which was between 74 and 84 mph. I guess it’s been a long time since they faced a pitcher with high school velocity. It was a blast celebrating with other Mets fans. The older couple behind us came in from Maryland, but others were fans who live in this area. It was a wonderful evening with my wife of almost 46 years. Thanks, Babe!
What a nice story and terrific wife! Thanks for sharing.