The Mets finally remembered they were playing in Coors Field, hit the ball in the air and plated three runs in the ninth inning, leading to a 5-3 win over the Rockies Wednesday night.
Francisco Alvarez started the winning rally with a one-out triple. After the next two batters walked, Francisco Lindor broke the tie with a line two-run single to left. Jesse Winker drove in the third run of the inning with a line single to left of his own, his third hit of the night.
Paul Blackburn started for the Mets and once again gave a strong outing, as he allowed just 1 ER in 6 IP. Blackburn doesn’t have great stuff but he works all quadrants of the strike zone and as long as he keeps it out of the middle of the plate, he can thrive. It’s encouraging to see how he’s not afraid to pitch inside.
Jose Butto gave two scoreless innings and picked up the win. Edwin Diaz allowed a run in the ninth but picked up his 14th save of the year.
The Mets had 11 hits on the night but Alvarez’ triple was their only XBH of the night. But the Mets were able to stay in the game as the Rockies were just 1-11 with RISP. See, it’s not just the Mets.
David Peterson takes the mound on Thursday as the Mets aim for the series win in a game with a 3:10 p.m. Eastern start time.
Peterson has a FB% of just 26%, not jinxing the guy but he is a good option in Coors Field, and tomorrow he will be pitching just minutes from Aurora, Colorado, where he went to high school. Hope he’s pumped and has a great game!
I did t see this game but followed it on my phone. A must win under the circumstances, it was nice to have.
Gut Reaction: it was encouraging to see Alvarez hit to the opposite field with power. Lindor game through in the clutch in a game they couldn’t afford to lose. Playoff teams are not expected to lose a series to an inferior team. Blackburn had a quality start. Butto was impressive again.
Nice win and they’re all big wins at this point regardless of the opponent. Blackburn acquitted himself quit well in the Coors launching pad. It’s fun to watch crafty pitchers without the overpowering stuff work to get outs. I hope he can continue his effectiveness.
Watching the Rockies, I can’t help but wonder how they can be 31 games under .500 in early August. They don’t have big names, but they have some talent and at home they are 25-30, so…. Can’t explain the road results and what’s going on with the roster.