The Mets’ 2024 season came to an end in Game 6 of the NLCS, as they fell to the Dodgers, 10-5. This year’s World Series will be the one the TV networks wanted, a Dodgers-Yankees battle.
The game got off to a good start, with Pete Alonso getting an infield single, which was a hit with RISP that gave the Mets a 1-0 lead. The team that scored first won the previous five games. But the Dodgers took the lead in the bottom of the first and never looked back.
Sean Manaea started for the Mets and didn’t have it. The broadcaster kept saying that Manaea lacked control with his fastball but it was the sweeper that deserted Manaea in this game. Statcast showed him throwing 13 sweepers, which got just two swings and one called strike. He allowed a two-run homer in the third inning and was removed a batter later.
Phil Maton came on and gave up a two-run homer of his own, making it a 6-1 deficit. In his last six games before Game 6, Maton allowed 7 ER in 5.2 IP, including 3 HR.
Mark Vientos gave the Mets a glimmer of hope when he hit a 2-run homer in the fourth inning. They continued to get runners on base but simply couldn’t get a hit with RISP. They were 1-8, with the only knock coming by Alonso in the first. Twice they loaded the bases and did not score. It’s a tough way to try to win a game.
It’s never fun to lose the last game of the season. But the Mets went further than most anyone ever dreamed possible. Hopefully it’s a stepping stone to greater things in the future.
Time to take a few days off and evaluate. Start making a plan, offering QO’s and realize the only kid you have ready to be a key contributor may be Mauricio, if he’s healthy. Also make note to never remove a pitcher for a pinch runner ever again from a roster. For the fans, it was an acceptable effort this year. For the players….
Was certainly hoping for a happy gut reaction today, but alas it was not in the cards. Scoring runners in scoring position has been an issue all year and continued to haunt them in the playoffs. Looking back, despite the frequent constructive criticism from our Met educated group, Sterns did a good job crafting a team without bringing in any front line star talent but more importantly by not mortgaging the future talent in the farm system. And Mendoza in the end did a good job of running the team understanding that at times he did not have the horses to win. It was along shot to be in the NLCS. We also learned that we have the ability to beat the Braves and Phillies and I look toward some strong off-season acquisitions and taking the division next season. We did more than take baby steps this year.
On to rooting for the Dodgers. They were the team of my baseball coach and mentor and that’s enough reason for me.
Respectfully, these are not the same Dodgers. This is the evil empire filled with arrogance, of which I don’t hear coming from the Bronx. In an internal conflict of who I hate less, I believe it’s the Yankees.
This team has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. I think they outplayed expectations, really, by a long distance. I think the hurt is deeper now that they got 6 wins from being WS champs, but ultimately there is much to be supper happy for and proud of. I think had the team pulled the miracle in ATL out, sent the Dbacks to the shower, and lost to the Brewers there would have been a “well, this was expected” feeling and true joy in taking that first game in ATL with the Lindor HR and getting to the WC. But we saw a lot of heart for several months and then in the Brewers and Phillies post season. The Mets have been on the griddle since before that last Phillies series, which they dominated. It’s a lot of really high stakes baseball for nearly an entire month.
Cohen is the right owner, Stearns is the right PBO, Lindor is our leader, we have some phenomenal youth. And this team showed real heart, which should attract FAs.
Great job 2024 NY Mets!
I couldn’t agree more.
Thanks to Brian and everyone who comes here every day to read about and talk about our team. It enhances the experience so much.
Gut Reaction: After relying on their pitching to get to the LCS their pitchers were too fatigued and the very good Dodger offense took advantage of it. In the LCS, Diaz and Severino had a 0.00 ERA. The next best pitchers had a 4.91 ERA; Maton and Stanek. There is no blame or shame in that because they were pushed hard since mid September. It was disappointing to lose but the 2024 Mets gave us a fun ride.
The Mets clearly outperformed expectations this year, but falling short 2 games from the Fall Classic is still a brutal pill to swallow in the moment. The WS will be unwatchable to me…I agree with Gus…these aren’t the Brooklyn Bums my father grew up rooting for. They kinda make me sick. That said, it’s onward to next season…with no guarantees of getting this close no matter what the S&S boys do. To the extent that they go I. A spending spree…please prioritize high end pitching both in the rotation and in the pen. Yes, the Dodgers have 3 HOF players at the top of the lineup, but they have navigated to the WS due to having incredible pitching depth to weather a long list of injuries and multiple bullpen games. That, and a little bit more mature hitting approach. I don’t know if I’ll be able to get Tommy Edman out of my head this winter.
T.J., last night my 90 year old dad with dementia, was in the kitchen with my sister and her husband when I told him after one inning it was 2-1 Dodgers. He said, “good!” and pumped his fist. I was annoyed that he forgot I was a Mets fan and I said, “they’re going to lose”. He appeared seriously offended! LOLLLLL