The Mets jumped out to a 4-0 lead, the Rockies rallied for three against the starter and in a nice twist, the bullpen gave 4.2 scoreless innings and the Mets emerged with a 7-3 win Saturday afternoon at Citi Field. It was the Mets’ fifth-straight win and pushed the Mets to four games over .500, tying their high-water mark of the year that they reached on April 20 when they were 12-8.
The Mets put up a four-spot in the second inning, aided by some shaky defense. The big hit was a two-run double by Jeff McNeil.
Christian Scott started for the Mets but was victimized by the gopher ball again, this time giving up two homers. All season long we’ve been complaining about Carlos Mendoza removing his starters too early. But in this game, Scott didn’t give Mendoza much reason to keep him in and he was yanked after 4.1 IP and 82 pitches.
Jose Butto relieved him and went 2.2 IP to get the win, while Dedniel Nunez pitched the final two frames to earn his first save.
Francisco Lindor made life a lot easier with a 3-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning, which gives him 17 HR for the year and 51 RBIs. The Mets only had six hits in the game but were aided by six walks, a HBP and the aforementioned bad defense.
The Mets look for their second straight sweep in their final game before the All-Star break Sunday afternoon, with Jose Quintana looking for his fourth straight win.
Nice win. Like Butto more all the time and glad to give Diaz a day off. Sweep of the Rockies needs to happen. Three games back of the Braves for second place in the division and sitting in third place in the wildcard race and continuing to move up the ladder. Kudos to the bottom of the order for getting on base ahead Lindor’s bomb to center! Quintana has thrown two 6 plus inning games, two lasting 7 innings, and just four in his last five starts. Expecting at least 6 out of him. Afternoon game – Rev up those DVRs.
Gut Reaction: Butto salvaged in unreliable bullpen with his performance. He should be in the rotation. Scott should be learning in the minors how not to gave up so many homeruns. Then there the issue of his restrictive innings pitched. Scott is a promising pitcher but he is learning and getting his experience at the major level and that is uncomfortable for a team that is fighting for a playoff position.
Nunez is so reliable. Let’s sweep this afternoon.