Francisco Alvarez hit two 2-run homers, part of a four-homer attack, as the Mets built an 11-4 lead and hung on for an 11-10 win over the White Sox Tuesday night at Citi Field.
Alvarez and Brett Baty delivered back-to-back homers in the first inning, part of a five-run inning, the most runs the Mets have scored in the first inning all season.
After posting just six runs in their past five games, the Mets exploded for 11 runs, 10 hits and eight walks against the White Sox. All told, Chicago hurlers threw 210 pitches in eight innings. Greg Maddux threw complete game victories with fewer than 80 pitches back in the day.
D.J. Stewart hit a solo homer in the fourth inning while Alvarez hit his second HR in the sixth, which gave the Mets a seven-run lead.
But it was barely enough because of shaky pitching from the home team. Carlos Carrasco started and threw some good pitches but was also hit around. Buck Showalter pulled him with two outs in the fifth with the Mets holding an 8-4 lead. By no means was Carrasco inspiring confidence. But if the choice was to stick with Carrasco with how he was pitching or ask the bullpen to go 5.1 IP, my preference would have been to try to get four more outs from Carrasco.
Grant Hartwig came on and got out of the fifth inning, pitched a clean sixth and left after one out in the seventh. Trevor Gott came out with his gas can and allowed both inherited runners to score, along with three of his own, while not retiring a batter. In an inning that would make Terry Collins smile, the Mets used three pitchers, finishing up with lefty Brooks Raley restoring order.
But instead of cruising to a victory, the Mets had to use Adam Ottavino in the eighth inning and David Robertson in the ninth, with the latter giving up a run and stranding the tying run at third base.
It was a very good night for the offense, with all nine starters either scoring or driving in at least one run. Starling Marte was originally in the lineup and batting sixth but was removed due to migraines. With Marte and his .332 SLG and .640 OPS not available, Showalter moved Alvarez, with his .505 SLG, from eighth to sixth in the lineup. After his two-homer, two-walk performance, Alvarez now has an .837 OPS. Maybe he can bat before Marte from now on.
Happy for the win and to finally exhale in that ninth inning. Have thought Alvarez should be batting 5th, where he will get more at bats. Seems so logical. Would have been nice to watch a laugher. On to Verlander who is a career 22-14 against the Sox. Lastly, noting that the Mets won and Vogelbach sat on the bench. LGM
Gut Reaction: this game felt I was in a barrel going over Niagara Falls.
Alonso should get a few games off and re-examine his hand. If it isn’t the problem then maybe re-examine his head. Alvarez could take his spot in the batting order and DJ Stewart could play 1B. It’s funny but I get a migraine when Marte starts.
Gott has got to go. Hartwig is bidding to replace Smith in the pecking order of the bullpen. Don’t trade Raley. Do trade Carrasco. 11-10 was a interesting win. At least they hit.
I agree regarding Alonso taking time off. He’s done nothing since returning from his hand injury. When he does return, have him in the 7th spot and make him earn his way up the order. Alvarez is clearly the feared #4 batter now.
I agree with you also re: Marte…..For *** sakes Mets, trade him and Vogelburg now!*
* and bring up Maricio and Vientos.