The Mets put two runners on base in the bottom of the ninth inning but couldn’t get the big hit and fell to the Reds, 3-2, Saturday night at Citi Field. It was the 34th one-run win of the year for the Reds, while the Mets have a 22-25 record in that split.
It was a frustrating night for the Mets, who had at least four balls hit well that died on the warning track. They scored their two runs on RBIs by Ronny Mauricio and Francisco Alvarez, with Alvarez delivering a double on his run-scoring hit. Alvarez had a good game at the plate, with one of those balls that died on the track – and a nice running catch by the Reds’ outfielder to take away an extra-base hit – and one of the two hits in the ninth.
But Alvarez threw a ball away on a pickoff throw at third base that led to one of the Reds’ runs. It wasn’t a great throw but the big problem was that the third baseman Mauricio was nowhere near the bag. Alvarez has gotten better on his pickoff throws to first but the ones to third are a work in progress. But it helps if the fielder is in position to make the catch.
Tylor Megill started and gave up 11 baserunners in 5.2 IP but the Reds only were able to score three runs. Maybe the Reds’ bad luck with runners on base and the Mets’ inability to have their hard-hit balls avoid gloves canceled each other out.
Whatever it was, it felt like a winnable game that didn’t turn out that way.
I like his style but Alvarez needs to work more on his throws to third. Happy to get 5 plus from Peterson. Sad how that’s supposed to make us happy. Avoid the sweep.
Gut Reaction: again the starting pitcher pitched well and again they lost. Again the starting pitcher was victimized by a two run home run. Megill reduced his ERA to under 5.00.
In case you missed it, it was an interesting chatter for the game.
The coolest thing about today’s game was that the Mets showed fire; they tried. This was not very evident at certain times in August. While there are still certain underachievers in the lineup or inconsistent producers that hurt the run production, having a low average and low OBP guy batting third probably hurts more. Why is Lindor batting cleanup? To quote Tommy Lee Jones, “What the flock is going on here?” Sometimes, I can’t blame the players for not caring. This team has no concept or flow.
Megill said that he didn’t have his best stuff and it was gritty. I say, he’s hurt or something because we know he has hit the high 90’s in the past with better stuff and we have certain seen him do worse, so I have no idea what cool baseball jargon he thinks he should bullshit us with.
Jeff McNeil has not improved since he has come to the majors. In fact, I don’t see him as a player that has fully used his potential. He is still spry and is their best option at leadoff now that Nimmo has expanded his game and should be the #3 hitter, but there is a rule somewhere that says Nimmo must leadoff, so the lineup suffers.
When you come up at age 26 and put up a 138 OPS+ — the expectation shouldn’t be to make a big leap from there.
Brian, I vehemently disagree. McNeil had injuries, it wasn’t his development. Too, he has learned the game at the top level now and can make adjustments; all players do – all successful players do. Nimmo has. Alonso keeps trying to add aspects. I don’t understand why McNeil can’t, or hasn’t.
“I strenuously object?” Is that how it’s done? Hm? “Objection, your Honor!” “Overruled” “No, no. I strenuously object.” “Oh! You strenuously object. Then I’ll take some time and reconsider.”
LOLLLLLLLLL
Alvarez needs to stop throwing behind runners to 1B and 3B. The risk of poor throws or hitting the runner is so much that the cost of giving up bases or runs is manifestly not worth it. Instead he needs to focus on throwing runners out at second. Even in a semi pitchout he could not make an accurate throw to 2B when the runner would have been out. I like Alvarez a lot, but this aspect of his game is a real (costly) downer.