Starling Marte cracked a three-run homer in the sixth inning to break up a 2-2 tie and send the Mets on their way to a 6-4 win over the Dodgers Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles. It was the Mets’ sixth consecutive win and gives the Mets the series win, with a chance to sweep on Sunday.
It was an ugly game early, as neither starter could throw consistent strikes. With all of the free passes early, it was a surprise that neither team could put up a crooked number. Both teams scored a single run in the first inning, while the Mets added a run in the fourth thanks to an RBI single by Marte and the Dodgers once again tied it in the fifth.
With a lefty on the mound for the Dodgers in the sixth inning, Zack Short pinch hit for Joey Wendle and drew a leadoff walk. Short was sacrificed to second and then Brandon Nimmo was hit by a pitch, bringing Marte to the plate. Marte put the Mets up for good with a shot to center field, measured at 432 feet.
The Dodgers pulled within a run but the Mets got an insurance run in the eighth inning, with Marte again playing a key role. He reached first on an error by Mookie Betts, who simply isn’t an MLB shortstop. Marte proceeded to steal second and he scored on an RBI single by Francisco Lindor.
Edwin Diaz was called on with one out in the eighth inning. It was a little dicey, as Diaz issued back-to-back walks to Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman to load the bases. But Diaz responded by striking out the final two batters to escape.
Reed Garrett came on to close things out and did a fantastic Diaz impersonation, as he struck out the side to earn his first save of the year.
Gut reaction: the Mets are matching the Dodgers’ resolve.
The Dodgers seem to find ways to overcome the other team. They hang around games they are trailing and pull them out, or they whoop your butt with elite offense output. However, an old adage says good pitching beats good hitting, and that’s what we are seeing. Timely hitting helps too. DJ Stewart is outperforming Alonso, which tells you that when Alonso kicks it into gear, it’s going to be spectacular.
The Dodgers not having a true shortstop is ridiculous when they spent a fortune this off-season. But, we don’t care.
With Alvarez out for eight weeks, I feel good about Narvaez and Nido holding the fort since Alvarez hadn’t hit his stride offensively, but I feel like Nido will outperform Narvaez and become the man until the real man gets back.
Gut Reaction: Marte’s resurgence after last year’s injury mar season is a refreshing surprise. He is hitting the ball with authority. His speed was utilized as a weapon and resulted in Lindor’s RBI single. Mendoza’s decision to use Diaz for the Dodgers heart of the order was a good, gutsy decision. Reed Garrett was again sensational and save the game in the ninth. I hope he isn’t another John Buck.
Not the same Butto we have seen, but he gutted it out for four and a third, and only gave up 2 runs when it could have been really much worse. Big day for Marte and Lindor, and let’s not downplay 2 walks-2 hit by pitch-2 runs scored by Nimmo. Another nice day for the pen. Nice contributions from the end of the order. A series win. A sweep would be gravy and a tall order against Glasgow. Let’s do it. LGM
I don’t know if it was intentional, but if so, the strategy was brilliant albeit dangerous. Regardless, this game demonstrated just how top-heavy LAD’s lineup is
In 15 PAs, Betts / Ohtani / Freeman combined for 4 Hs, 2 Rs, 3 RBI and 8 BBs
In 26 PAs, the rest of the lineup combined for 2 Hs, 2 Rs, 1 RBI and only 2 BBs
My opinion is that it’s definitely intentional. And the right thing to do. You want your best hitters getting the most trips to the plate so it doesn’t make any sense to bat Ohtani ninth.