For the seventh-straight Sunday, the Mets failed to reach three runs scored. But today it was enough, as Sean Manaea and two relievers combined on a shutout, leading the Mets to a 2-0 victory. It was the seventh shutout this year for the Mets, who ended the road trip at 7-3. They’re now a season’s-best nine games over .500 at 73-64.
Neither team had a baserunner through the first three innings, with the Mets striking out seven times in a row to start the game. But Francisco Lindor – who else – got things going with a leadoff homer to start the fourth. It was the only offense in the game until the ninth inning, when Starling Marte hit an RBI double to drive in pinch-runner Pablo Reyes to make it a two-run lead.
Meanwhile, Manaea retired the first 11 batters he faced and didn’t give up a hit until there were two outs in the fifth. He retired the side in order in the sixth but ran into trouble in the seventh. Manaea hit a batter to start off the frame but Luis Torrens nabbed him trying to steal. With two outs, Manaea gave up a walk and then a bloop that Jesse Winker tried to make a diving grab but came up empty, putting runners on the corners. But Manaea got a fly out to end the inning.
He ended up allowing just two hits and two walks in seven innings. He’s now 11-5 with a 3.35 ERA.
As predicted here after his last appearance, Reed Garrett came on in the eighth inning, his first time starting this late in the game since he was activated from the IL. Garrett retired the side in order, his fifth straight scoreless appearance.
Edwin Diaz came on in the ninth and struck out the side, notching his 16th save of the year.
The only bad thing about today was Harrison Bader getting a start. Try not to be shocked when you hear that he went 0-4. Bader is now 15-95 (.158) since July 13. But let’s keep playing him while we’re trying to make up ground.
The Mets return home to face the Boston Red Sox in a three-game series starting Monday night. The Red Sox are three games over .500 overall but they are 10 games over .500 on the road, so this series won’t be easy by any stretch of the imagination. Hopefully a different color Sox will bring out more hits from the Mets’ offense.
If Taylor stays in left the while game does Manaea have a no hitter?
Great question Boom Boom! However, as hot as Winker has been, Mendoza couldn’t wait to get him into the game.
On the aforementioned bloop in the seventh inning, the base runner slowed way down between second and third to see if Winker would catch it. With two outs? The White Sox played like a disheartened team and the Mets played like a tired team.
It’s gone boom boom 50 times today in the hills surrounding where I live in the north we become so accustomed to it most of us don’t even run to the shelter. I’m depending on the mats to provide some solace from the storm. There is a God, and he loves the Mets specially.
Mets did what they had to do. It wasn’t pretty but it was a sweep against a lousy team to stay close. Not too much help today but I will go with the Philly Pom poms one more time. On to the Red Sox…not a moment to let up.
Gut Reaction: there was trepidation before this 10 road trip. Seven games won was not expected because of the tough competition. They proved they are competitive.
Today, Crochet was dominant but a MVP stars solved him. Lindor is having an amazing season. Manaea matched zeros and again pitched seven innings. It was especially nice to see Garrett and Diaz close out the game without allowing no hits. Marte contributed his part of the right field platoon with two hits and one with was a late inning RBI double.
The Braves lost tonight so the Mets are one game behind for the playoffs.