What a beautiful sight!
The lineup was released this morning and Michael Conforto was in it. Leading off and playing centerfield. Can you think of a better way to start the day? I sure can’t.
The Nationals had their Opening Day festivities and wasted no time giving their fans an early lead, as Anthony Rendon singled home Adam Eaton who led off the game with a double. Mets starter Jacob deGrom got out of the opening inning without giving up any further damage.
The Mets answered right away in the top of the second as Jay Bruce doubled and then scored on a Stephen Strasburg balk.
Jacob deGrom encountered trouble again in the third inning. After retiring the first two batters, Adam Eaton walked on 4 pitches. Anthony Rendon doubled to left and Yoenis Cespedes delivered a perfect relay to Jose Reyes. It looked like the Mets were going to escape the inning unscathed, but Reyes’ throw was well towards the first base line and Kevin Plawecki was unable to apply the tag.
**RANT INCOMING**
Monday was an off day. Jose Reyes was in the lineup instead of Amed Rosario. Tomorrow is an off day, and Saturday’s game will most likely be postponed. Why is Jose Reyes in the lineup instead of Amed Rosario?! The same Amed Rosario who had the game winning triple yesterday. Our number one prospect, our shortstop of the future? He’s going to play in just ONE game this week? My God. Every day that passes, I find myself agreeing with Nathan the virus kid more and more. Get Jose Reyes out of my life!
Back to the action. Yoenis Cespedes took a ball that was down around his shoes for a homerun to left to tie the game.
Then the real fun started.
Michael Conforto said he had this date circled on his calendar. He wanted to face the Nationals. He wanted to face Stephen Strasburg. Well, he got his wish. In his third at bat of the year, Michael Conforto took a Stephen Strasburg pitch the opposite way for a two run homerun!
We do not deserve Michael Conforto. I am not worthy.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Jacob deGrom showed you why he is the ace of this Mets team. After loading the bases with no outs, he did what he does best. He battled. He bore down. He fought.
He got Ryan Zimmerman to pop up to shallow right field. He got Howie Kendrick to line out to shortstop. He struck out Trea Turner looking. Turner was so upset he was ejected from the game, but Mets fans rejoiced. I truly hope the powers that be realize just how valuable deGrom is to this team.
Jacob deGrom was pinch hit for by Brandon Nimmo who doubled off the right field wall in the top of the 7th inning. Michael Conforto and Yoenis Cespedes both drew walks and Jay Bruce stepped up to the plate. He worked a full count before hitting his sixth career grand slam, extending the lead to 8-2 and totally ruining the Nationals’ home opener.
Oh man. What a feeling it is to beat these Nationals!
Hansel Robles entered the game for a second straight day and struck out the side. Again. I can’t even wrap my head around these developments with Hansel Robles right now.
After that, it was all smooth sailing to the finish line. Jerry Blevins and Robert Gsellman were perfect. Oh yeah. Jose Reyes couldn’t get to a ball in the hole that Amed Rosario makes in his sleep. It didn’t effect the outcome but I just don’t want to see Jose Reyes play on this team anymore. Seth Lugo was great again as he finished off the Nationals in the ninth inning.
Feel good victory if there ever was one. Off day tomorrow. Snow Saturday. Hopefully, we get some baseball again soon.
Ladies and gentlemen. Your first place Mets!
