When Tylor Megill and Ryne Stanek combine for seven shutout innings with 12 Ks, you better win. And that’s exactly what happened for the Mets Monday night, as they edged the Blue Jays, 3-2. Combined with a loss by the Braves, the Mets moved into sole possession of the third Wild Card spot.
If you’re a fan of offense – or defense – this wasn’t the game for you. Both sides combined for just seven hits. Four of the five runs scored without the benefit of a hit. The two runs for the Jays scored on a HBP and a SF. The Mets scored one run on a wild pitch and another on a passed ball.
An RBI single by J.D. Martinez gave the Mets a 1-0 lead. And Tylor Megill made it stand up. It seemed like a disappointment to see Megill as the club’s SP. Yet Megill was fantastic. He retired the last 17 batters he faced. It was so odd to think that Carlos Mendoza pulled him too early. Usually, we’re eager for Megill to get lifted. Megill got the hook after just 88 pitches.
Danny Young started the seventh inning and he put two runners on base and was relieved by Jose Butto. Both inherited runners scored and the Mets faced a 2-1 deficit.
And with how anemic the offense had been, it looked like a loss was inevitable. But Jesse Winker, pinch-hitting for the 0-2 Harrison Bader, drew a leadoff walk. Francisco Alvarez followed with an infield single and a walk to Francisco Lindor loaded the bases. The Mets tied the game on a wild pitch and went ahead on a passed ball.
Ryne Stanek struck out the side in the eighth inning and Edwin Diaz survived the ninth, as he gave up a two-out single and then held his breath on a missile hit to right field, which Starling Marte caught right near the wall to end the game.
Take the wins however they come. 10 of 11. 17 of 23. Seems like when one player slumps on offense they all do. If I was mendoza I’d be trying to find a way to rest some guys an extra day before the Phillies series begins. I’d play Torrens the next 2. I’d play Taylor over Marte 1 game and Nimmo one game. And Iglesias is better with some time off as well. I know Lindor won’t take a day but maybe DH him on Wed to at least get him off his feet for 2 days in a row.
I wouldn’t rest Marte. He looks rusty as it is and doesn’t seem to respond well to part-time play. I would play him just about every game for a week and see if there is any improvement.
Sunday afternoon, after the Mets lost I switched to Atlanta and Toronto and got to see the Blue Jays gifting the Braves a win. Well, the next day they evened the score. The Blue Jays stifled the Mets offense and took the lead. How they handled the catching by pinch running for Kirk was incredible. You say thank you, grab the win, and run!
Mlb66. Is my my Baseball lifeline there’s a time difference of 12 hours so the games in the middle of the night require me to stay up almost till Dawn but it’s worth it. Everything is eerily quiet. Normally, the city is bustling with tourists stores have enclosed and the galleries for a year at night. It’s silent strangely, and it’s a great comfort to my soul that the only sport team that I care about is for the moment contending Long live the winning streak, and as I predicted, the Messiah will come bizarrely when the Mets are in the seventh game of the World Series. Mike, bold prediction.
With my temporary 6 hour time difference, not staying up to catch a night game. Satisfied both with an ESPN.com and Gut Reaction recap. Way to go Tylor. We wrote you off long ago and were eager to get Blackburn back into the rotation. He’s been pitching lately like his roster spot is in question. Smart guy. keep the train rolling with another win against the Blue Jays.
Gut Reaction the Mets won the game or maybe it would be better said Toronto lost the game. Megill pitched a sensational game. In his 12 starts he had a game like this on May 28th this year. Games like this makes him valuable as a depth starter. Next year he will have another minor league option. I don’t imagine him being in the starting 2025 rotation.
Since the last month Stanek is very effective.
It could be debatable but they’ll win the series tonight.
A 5 game winning streak would be nice. Alonso and;or Alvarez getting hot would be huge.
Loved what I saw from both Stanek and Megill! Great stuff and command!