The Brewers hit three home runs, two of which came in the eighth inning. The Mets were held homerless for the second straight game. The end result was a 5-3 loss for the Mets Wednesday night in Milwaukee. The series is now tied 1-1, with the rubber game scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
One thing that has been asked repeatedly here at Mets360 over the years is – How do you want to win the game? Carlos Mendoza responded with going to the bullpen early, with the idea to close things out with Phil Maton and Edwin Diaz.
And that might have been an okay plan, if Maton and Diaz were well-rested. But they simply weren’t.
Sean Manaea was pulled after five innings, with the Mets holding a 3-2 lead. Manaea had thrown 86 pitches and my opinion was that he should have been given another inning.
Mendoza called on Reed Garrett, the most-rested “A” reliever he had. My opinion was that it was too early to use Garrett. He needed just 12 pitches to retire the side in the sixth. But he was pulled for Ryne Stanek to pitch to the bottom of the Brewers’ order.
My opinion is that Garrett should have stayed in the game at that point. But if you had to pull him, my preference would have been for Adam Ottavino in that (relatively) low-leverage spot. Stanek got through the seventh with just 11 pitches.
Next up was Maton, who was appearing in his fourth game in five days. Mendoza managed the game exactly so Maton would pitch the eighth. And it blew up in his face. He gave up a game-tying home run to the first batter he faced. And later in the inning he gave up a two-run blast to lose the game.
This loss is on Mendoza. Maton’s a solid reliever but he’s simply not a guy you bend over backwards to get in a game for a fourth time in five days. Bullpen arms need rest and you can’t ignore how much a guy has pitched and figure he’s fully refreshed with one day off.
And it should be noted that the Mets had chances to score more runs but went just 2-11 with RISP. It would have been nice if the offense had delivered when given a shot.
Yet, at the end of the day, you cannot control when and where the hits will come. But you can 100% control when and how to use your bullpen. And that’s where this game was lost.
The only silver lining is that Diaz got another day off and will hopefully be in a better spot if the game is close late on Thursday.
Now the big question is who starts for the Mets in the winner-take-all game. Do you feel good about starting Jose Quintana? The other option is to go to David Peterson on short rest. Neither option feels like a slam dunk. Hopefully Mendoza can make up for the bullpen blunders by making the right pick for Thursday’s starting pitcher. Good luck, Mendoza, you’ll need it.
Ok, as everyone else is upset with the result tonight, it has been said that momentum is only as good as your next starting pitcher. I have faith in Quintana if he spots his pitches, but there is something else I have up my sleeve: relieve him with Peterson.
While Brian went through all the reasons why I am upset with Mendoza, my perplexion goes a little bit further. We all known that Mendoza wasn’t a pitcher and doesn’t know pitching. Plus, he is a smart guy and wouldn’t put his head on a guillotine without getting information first. The question is, who is giving him this information and what has he learned from the experience of managing all year?
Back to my pitching plan. The Brewers just aren’t as good against lefties. They are much more comfortable and productive against righties. You have two lefties that can go several innings each. Use them. Then you have Butto, Stanek and Garrett, if, only if, they are needed. I wouldn’t pull a lefty that’s doing well and let them be comfortable.
…let them (the Brewers) be comfortable.
vs. LHS: .232/.312/.371/.683
vs. RHS: .255/.331/.416/.747
…don’t let them (the Brewers) be comfortable.
vs. LHS: .232/.312/.371/.683
vs. RHS: .255/.331/.416/.747
Gut Reaction : Manaea only 86 pitches, he is the Mets #1 pitcher, and Mendoza pulled him with a 3-2 lead. He should have started the 6th. Stanek in the 7th. Garrett the 8th and and possibly 9th. Diaz in reserve would be a good plan. That was a no taxing the bullpen plan.
Mendoza had different plans. His plans blew up in his face.
The offense was 2 -11 RISP didn’t help.
Quintana would be a good choice because he is on schedule and he has pitched well in September.
It’s all about the missed opportunities. RISP all night and they couldn’t cash in. That puts pressure on the pitchers to throw zeros. Agree with Quintana tomorrow and should be an all hands on deck game. Iglesias of course with another hit. Alonso had a rough night and JD went hitless. Can’t wait for tomorrow night.
The best thing about this game was our Game Chatter, with 358 comments. Hope even more can join us on Thursday.
Maton had no business pitching in the 8th vs top of line up…even if he was 100% rested. Bad bad bad really bad move. But now it’s all about game 3. The bats better be alive and raking…I’m looking at you Mr. Polar Bear.
ALERT: Game #3 is moved up to 7:08 ET on ESPN per mlb.com.
Quintana is scheduled to start.
I guess it was an accommodation for the 35 year old . The previous later start was past his bedtime.
It’s been a helluva ride,let’s hope it lasts a little longer. Butto and Vientos might be big tonight.