Pete Alonso drove in all of the Mets’ runs with two homers to back seven strong innings from Max Scherzer to lead the way in a 5-1 win over the Nationals Friday night at Citi Field. The win upped the Mets’ record in July to 13-8. It was also just their 11th win in 35 games when the opponent started a lefty.
It was a pitching duel between Scherzer and lefty MacKenzie Gore, who previously this year against the Mets had allowed just 1 ER in 10 IP. It was a scoreless game until the bottom of the fifth when Alonso, who was batting third in the game, followed walks to the eighth and ninth hitters with an upper-deck blast to make it 3-0.
The Nationals finally broke thru against Scherzer in the seventh inning, when he allowed a solo homer and a double. But he allowed nothing more. After getting knocked around for four homers in his previous start, Scherzer finished with 7 IP, 1 ER, 2 BB and 7 Ks. His fastball was very effective and he seemed to throw fewer sliders this time out. Even if he threw as many as normal, at least he didn’t hang them over the middle of the plate. The homer came on a fastball that missed its desired location, catching more plate than what Francisco Alvarez hoped.
But right after the Nationals cut the lead to two, Alonso hit his second homer of the game, this one a two-run shot. Alonso also had a clutch fielding play in the second inning, making a real nice scoop on a low throw from Brett Baty on a ball hit with two outs and the bases loaded.
Adam Ottavino and Brooks Raley closed out the game, with Raley pitching for the second straight night despite the four-run lead. Buck Showalter is using his best relievers when a win is on the line, regardless if it’s a high-leverage spot or not. And with how uninspiring the majority of the bullpen is, it’s hard to blame him too much
Nice game by Pete. Nice night by McNeil. No hits for Baty or Alvarez but without their walks Pete doesn’t come up with two on. As good as we’ve seen Max in a long time. Let’s take this series tomorrow.
Gut Reaction: power pitching and a power bat won this game.
Vientos, Baty and Alvarez went 0-8 but each one had a walk or two. The next two months they have a chance to shine. It is a golden opportunity for them.
Scherzer is a number three pitcher this year. He had a nice game.
Consistently Alonso has been a plus 30 home run hitter every year. Don’t take him for granted. He would be hard to replace.
In a low leverage situation, Raley should not be used. Showalter consistently wants to secure the win. He has more experience and success in his resume but I still don’t like it.
Let’s make it three in a row!