The Mets rallied from an early 3-1 deficit to force extra innings, plated four runs in the top of the 10th and then hung on for a 7-5 win over the Padres Friday night in San Diego. It was their sixth-straight win, which is the longest winning streak of the year for the club.
Once again, the Mets got a big night from Francisco Lindor, who had three hits, including a solo homer in the third inning and a two-run single in the 10th for the Mets’ final runs.
Francisco Alvarez had his first career four-hit game. All four of his hits were singles, including one in the 10th inning which drove in Jeff McNeil, who got the inning started with an RBI double. Both McNeil and Alvarez’ hits in the 10th were ones that went past the first baseman.
Daniel Vogelbach also had a big game, with three hits, a walk and two RBIs.
Justin Verlander had a rough first few innings but settled down to give the Mets some length, as he went six innings. And then the team got some solid relief pitching, with Brooks Raley, Adam Ottavino and Drew Smith combining on three scoreless innings. David Robertson allowed a two-run homer in the 10th but the Mets built a big enough cushion to survive the blow.
The Mets might not have needed extra innings if Starling Marte had come thru in any of his multiple chances. He grounded into inning-ending double plays with the bases loaded in both the first and ninth innings and he struck out with two men on base to end the third. At least we didn’t hear the announcers talk about him being back in this game.
But he did catch the ball for the final out of the game.
Nice game for Vogelbach and what we have wanted him to do all season. Lindor is hitting his stride. When will we see Alvarez moved up to 5th. 6 in a row and now 4 games under. All we needed from Marte was a fly ball. Nice play by Canha at 3B – what a gamer. Peterson up next going for lucky 7.
Gut Reaction: Verlander actually pitched a real good game. The error by Guillorme in the first inning resulted with a unearned run and 9 pitches. He was removed at 99 pitches but he retired 10 of 11 of his last batters. If he had a lead and 90 pitches then he would have started the 7th. Defense is important.
Sixth win. It is important to win this series.
Nice win!
Marte’s batting awfulness continues. His OPS+ so far this season is 82, worse than all the regulars and semi-regulars. Canha is at 106 and should be playing over Marte more often.
And perhaps a bonus should be given to Pham’s eye doctor. His OPS+ of 133 tops the chart.
Great game. Alvarez is a beast.