The Mets got good pitching, enough offense and their defense didn’t let them down. The end result was a 4-2 win against the Phillies in the middle game of their series Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia.
Max Scherzer was staked to a 2-0 lead. And while he gave up the tying runs, the Mets went ahead in their half of the sixth and it looked like Scherzer was in line for the win despite having his day end after five innings. But when they came out for the bottom of the sixth, Scherzer was on the mound despite a pitch count in the low-90s. They showed video of Scherzer telling Buck Showalter that he was not done.
Scherzer came out and gave the team another inning. He finished his day with 8 Ks and 2 ER in 6 IP.
Brooks Raley got two outs in the seventh inning before yielding to Adam Ottavino, who got the final out. Ottavino came back for the eighth but after one out and two walks, Showalter called for David Robertson. The Mets’ closer got a double play ball to end the eighth inning and also got a twin killing to end the game in the ninth, thereby getting five outs while facing just four batters.
It was a big day for the top of the Mets’ order. The first three hitters had two hits apiece, with Brandon Nimmo adding a run and an RBI while Starling Marte scored twice, including the first inning when he gave the Mets the early lead with a solo homer. Marte also scored the final run in the sixth, when he came home on an RBI single by Tommy Pham.
The Mets raised their record to 21-3 when their SP gives at least six innings. Perhaps Scherzer knew that and that’s why he told Showalter he still had something left. Regardless, the Mets are now 9-4 in games started by Scherzer. The club is also 8-6 in Kodai Senga’s starts. When anyone else is the SP, the Mets are 18-31.
Nice win. That 18-31 record is sobering. Disappointed to see Mendick brought up and not Mauricio.
Nice win and good game all around. Hopefully we get a good Cookie tomorrow for a series win against Wheeler. Yes I am a broken record. Ya gotta believe.
Gut Reaction: if the Mets are going to turn around their season then they should rely on Scherzer to pitch in the 6th inning when he is pitching an “alright” game. A tired Scherzer in the sixth inning is better than their middle relievers. For that matter, I would push Verlander and Senga also. The Mets are better when Raley, Smith, Ottavino and Robertson are pitching the 7th, 8th and 9th inning. If those three starters can’t get give the Mets 110- 115 pitches then it will an impossible road to the playoffs.
This was a crisp game but they also have to take the series on Sunday. They have to start making headway in the standings. LGM