It got dicey in the ninth inning but ace reliever Phil Bickford came in to nail down the save, giving the Mets a 4-3 win over the Cubs Wednesday night at Citi Field. The victory gave the Mets the series win, something that was common place in 2022 but has been few and far between here this season.
David Peterson made his second start after his return from a bullpen stint. He gave up a homer on the first pitch of the game but settled in somewhat after that. He allowed another run and was pulled in the fourth inning with two runners on base. The Mets’ other ace reliever, Grant Hartwig, got out of the jam and added an additional two scoreless innings, picking up the win in the process.
Pete Alonso continued to treat the Cubs as his personal toy, as he blasted a two-run homer to tie the game. Alonso hit four homers in the three-game series and now has 35 HR on the year, becoming the first player in franchise history with four seasons of 35 or more homers.
Jeff McNeil also homered in the game, turning on an inside pitch and driving it 385 feet. It was good to see him elevate the ball and not weakly ground out to the second baseman.
The Mets are now 2-7 since the trade deadline yet somehow have picked up half a game in the Wild Card standings. As Chris Dial said a couple of weeks ago – Ya Gotta Believe?
When I got the notification on my phone that Alonso homered, I was like “all right”! But when I got the notification that Ottavino got pulled for Bickford, I just gagged! He did he job however.
Another hold your breath 9th inning but the Mets prevailed. Thinking they better sign Alonso sooner than later or he will leave for greener pastures, pun intended. Sad that a hot streak could have pushed them past the Padres and DBacks who are slumping and the Reds are doing their best to go backwards. The Phillies going 7-3 picked up some room against everyone else. Not sure what to make of Peterson who could not go further in the game. Can’t imagine how he and Megill have regressed so much after so much promise. They are barely #5 starter potential. Nice minor league report last night on some top prospects at different levels. Still shocked Mauricio, who played 3rd base and had a couple more hits for Syracuse, has not been called up. Must be the starting the clock on free agency issue but wouldn’t it be great to have a 50 game showcase now as to what he can do? Might he go in an off season deal for an established front line starter? At this point would love to play the spoiler against other competing teams, since that’s what we’ve got left. And we all still believe, or we would have stopped watching like sane rational people have done. LGM
Surprises:
Bickford! When he was brought in in the 9th, I yelled “Oh, no!” But he looked good, with a 96 FB and some poise! Strikes out a lot of batters!
Ditto Walker.
McNeil! A big HR!
Almonte and Arauz—Crappy batters with key hits!
Hartwig! Another solid multi-inning relief job. 128 ERA+ in 22 innings.
Buck! Got Ottavino outta there, rather than hanging with him for more!
Ottavino’s head was not in the game at all. How can you forget the two throws to first rule.
I like the excitement that Bickford had. It is a rare show of emotion from a really dull team.
Just want to say what a great night for Phil Bickford. He is the new team hero. During the game, there was talk about using this time for players to establish themselves for 2024 and maybe Bickford will get more opportunities to lock in a spot.
Gut Reaction: For the last two weeks, Alonso is on fire (1.115 OPS). Lindor is right there behind him (1.080 OPS).
Peterson at 62p was pull?
Rookie Hartwig is establishing himself as a bulk reliever for 2024.
Ottavino can’t hold runners shouldn’t be pitching the ninth once there is only a one run lead. His balk was inexcusable. Showalter agreed.
Bickford with his carreer ERA of 4.62 was impressive…..in this game.