There are never any style points in wins and that becomes even more apparent when you’re trying to make up ground. It wasn’t necessarily a pretty win but it was a win nonetheless, a 5-1 triumph over the White Sox Friday night in Chicago in the opener of a three-game series.
Tylor Megill got the start and immediately let up a run in the first inning to a Sox team that scores an MLB-worst 3.08 runs per game. But that’s all that Megill and four relievers would allow.
The Mets tied the game in the second inning thanks to two singles, a walk and a fielder’s choice. And they took the lead in the third thanks to an RBI double by Jesse Winker and a two-run homer by J.D. Martinez. And after sleepwalking thru most of the fourth thru eighth innings, they finally added an insurance run in the ninth, as Francisco Lindor doubled and later came home on a sac fly by Mark Vientos.
Even though it wasn’t a save situation and even though this would be the third straight day he pitched, Carlos Mendoza brought in Edwin Diaz to pitch the ninth. And he responded with a 1-2-3 inning. The four relievers combined for 3.2 perfect innings, with six strikeouts.
New York’s offense had 10 hits, as seven of the nine starters had a knock. Only the University of Florida boys – Pete Alonso and Harrison Bader – went hitless.
The Mets are now 71-64 on the year. If they win on Saturday, it will be the first time they’ve been eight games over .500 all season. Jose Quintana takes the mound, looking for his first win in the month of August.
Mets take care of business but get no help from the Phillies or Rays…and they are in a position of needing help these days. Why Diaz would pitch a third consecutive day with a four run lead against a historically bad opponent is head scratching…even if he is requesting additional work to “get right”.
Gut Reaction: Megill surprised us with a good game pitched. When are you right handed is on mound then Winker should be starting in the outfield. He was three for four . With a 5-1 lead, Diaz did not have pitched. Let’s win the series today.