Tonight, Carlos Mendoza learned – hopefully – that pitching Adam Ottavino in back-to-back days is right up there with, “Never start a land war in Asia.” The Mets took an 8-5 lead into the ninth inning, tried Ottavino and pivoted to Jake Diekman. Somehow, against all odds, Diekman survived and the Mets came away with stinky fingers and an 8-7 win over the Nationals Monday night in Washington.
As most expected, the offense broke out in its first game of the road trip, as it produced 13 hits, four walks and eight runs. It should have been an easy win. But the pitching staff makes sure there’s no such thing as an easy win. Tylor Megill struggled thru five innings and got credit for his first win of the year. But it was hardly a good outing, as he allowed 7 H and 3 BB to a Nats team playing without several starters.
But Adrian Houser and Drew Smith combined to throw three scoreless innings, which gave the Mets the chance to build a 3-run lead.
Lots of hitting stars to mention. Starling Marte and Jose Iglesias each had 3-hit games, while Brandon Nimmo and Mark Vientos both contributed 2-hit nights. Nimmo had a double while Vientos homered and had two walks. Everyone contributed except Pete Alonso, who went 0-5, including a strikeout his last time up due to a pitch clock violation.
Some viewed this series as a critical one for the Mets. With the win, they pulled within 2.5 games of the third-place Nats.
Gut Reaction: Phew, that was close.
Mendoza turned to Ottavino because he pitched well yesterday, but everybody knows you don’t pitch Ottavino in consecutive days. He turned to Diekman because he had faith in him even if he did blew the game yesterday. Mendoza wanted Dickman to regained his confidence. It worked out . Garrett was my choice in the Chatter for the 9th.
Vientos is solidifying his spot on the roster. Right now he is the third baseman and maybe the future DH or first baseman.
Iglesias has worked his way into a platoon at second base.
Houser had another good game in long relief but he had to be bailed by Smith.
A win is a win and it is better than losing.
Agree on Garrett in the 9th.
Vientos will be fine at 3B. So far, he is at least adequate there and his arm strength is over 88 mph. Still think the Mets will sign Alonso. I am interested in what he’ll be offered in the winter. He might wind up with a pillow contract, like many recent Boros players, or he’ll sign with Mets for six years and $165 million or so (kind of like Correa going back to the Twins).
Iglesias should have been on the original roster instead of Short.
Wins are good. Losses are bad. The bullpen is bad even when the outcome is good.
If Vientos keeps it up, he could easily be Alonso’s replacement.
Always appreciate a Princess Bride reference.