Max Scherzer was terrific in his return from the IL, pitching six perfect innings to combine with a strong offensive game to lead the Mets to a 7-2 win over the Brewers Monday night in Milwaukee. The combination of the Mets’ win and the Brewers’ loss clinched a playoff spot for the Mets, their first since 2016.
Scherzer needed just 68 pitches to complete six innings. It’s easy to keep your pitch count down when you don’t allow a baserunner. In addition to the 18 outs, Scherzer piled up nine strikeouts. It was just a clinic by Scherzer, who picked up his 200th career win.
The Mets were held scoreless for the first three innings but then exploded from there. Pete Alonso broke open the game with a monster three-run homer, a blast that had an exit velocity of 113.1 mph and one that traveled 437 feet. It was his 36th HR of the year and gave him 116 RBIs for the season.
The Mets continued with the extra-base hits. Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor hit back-to-back triples in the sixth inning and Daniel Vogelbach tried to get into the act but had to settle for an RBI double.
Tylor Megill’s first outing as a reliever didn’t go very well. He gave up a double to the first batter he faced and then later served up a two-run homer.
But the Mets strung together two walks and three hits and combined with a Milwaukee error, they got the two runs immediately back, completely taking the wind out of the Brewers’ sails.
Seth Lugo and Adam Ottavino pitched a scoreless inning apiece to close out the game, giving the Mets their 94th win of the season.
The main takeaway: they’re in!
They need to hold on to their 1-game lead (at least) when they head into Atlanta next weekend. If that happens, the Mets will only need to win one game down there, as they own the tiebreaker.
Now, if a miracle (or 2) can be coaxed out of DC…
Sadly if Max had not been easing back in after the injury he might have thrown a no hitter or a perfect game. He was that overwhelming in mixing up his different pitches thrown at different speeds. He was smart enough to know that the end goal was winning the game and not suffering a re-injury. Everyone in the order got on base and how exciting was back to back triples even though Nimmo’s shot to center looked catchable. He’d have probably caught it if he was out there. Megill was disappointing but they have to keep putting him out there if they are considering him for the post season roster. Would much rather slate Drew Smith for the pen as well as Petersen off his relief role the other night. 15 game winner Corasco goes tonight and 12 game winner Walker in the afternoon on Wednesday. Like our chances for at least a series win. Will the Braves ever lose is the big question. Happy to be a game up and not a game behind. Let the bats keep on banging!! LGM