So far, so good
The Mets have played 5 games against teams in the NL East this season. Two against the Phillies, and three against the Nationals.
Mets are 5-0 in those games.
They look to improve to 8-0 as they begin a 3 game series against the gutted Miami Marlins.
Coming off an uneven start against Philadelphia, Noah Syndergaard took the mound against Miami’s “ace” Jose Urena.
Last night’s hero Adrian Gonzalez singled home Todd Frazier in the top of the second inning. A second run scored when Kevin Plawecki grounded into a double play, and it looked like that was all Noah would need.
In the top of the third inning, Amed Rosario smoked a ball to center field, and missed a home run by a couple of feet. Jay Bruce singled home Rosario and the Mets took a 3-0 lead. Very nice to see from Amed Rosario, as he had a very rough game in the finale vs Washington.
**PLAY ROSARIO EVERY DAY. PLAYERS MUST LEARN TO DEAL WITH ROUGH PATCHES WHICH ARE INEVITABLE AT THE MAJOR LEAGUE LEVEL. **
It should be noted that Jay Bruce popped up behind home plate but the catcher was unable to make a play. Seemingly every mistake by an opposing team this season has been immediately capitalized on.
Noah Syndergaard was absolutely cruising tonight. He faced the minimum through 3 innings, thanks to Yoenis Cespedes gunning down Braxton Lee, who tried to stretch a single into a double.
Syndergaard allowed the first two Marlins to reach base in the bottom of the 4th inning. Noah was the beneficiary of some more dazzling defense, as Amed Rosario went deep in the hole to turn a double play, and Adrian Gonzalez made a fine diving play to end the inning.
Nothing ever comes easy in Marlins Park though, does it?
The bottom of the 5th inning began with Brian Anderson reaching on an Amed Rosario error. Syndergaard retired the next two Marlins but couldn’t escape the inning unscathed, as Derek Dietrich singled home the first Marlins run.
Starlin Castro hit a ball sharply to left for a base hit to start the bottom of the 6th. Brian Anderson hit an RBI double to cut the Mets lead to 3-2. Syndergaard avoided any further damage, but with Hansel Robles looming in the bullpen, the pressure was on the Mets offense to add some insurance runs.
The Marlins did their best to help the cause. Adrian Gonzalez drew a lead off walk. Kevin Plawecki then struck out swinging. Brandon Nimmo pinch hit for Noah Syndergaard, ending his night. Nimmo hit a ground ball to Justin Bour, and it looked like the inning would end on a double play.
Justin Bour had other ideas and threw the ball into left field. Adrian Gonzalez took third base aggressively, and Amed Rosario singled him home. Brandon Nimmo was inspired by Gonzalez’ aggressive running the play before and he took third base, which in turn allowed Rosario to advance to second.
Do these 2018 Mets ever NOT capitalize on a mistake?
Unfortunately, they couldn’t capitalize any further. After Michael Conforto was walked to load the bases, Yoenis Cespedes and Jay Bruce both struck out to end the inning. It really would have been nice to break the game open right there. Especially with Hansel Robles set to enter the game.
The surprising Robles retired the first two batters he faced, before allowing a single to Derek Dietrich. Miguel Rojas followed that single with another and the Marlins suddenly had the tying runs on base with Starlin Castro stepping up to the plate.
Robles calmly struck him out on 3 pitches. I’ve watched Hansel Robles with my own two eyes this season, but I still don’t believe what I’ve seen.
Jerry Blevins got Justin Bour in the bottom of the 8th, and was then replaced by former Marlin AJ Ramos.
Ramos walked Brian Anderson and Mets fans held their collective breath. Cameron Maybin popped up to Jay Bruce, and then pinch hitter Yadiel Rivera popped up to Adrian Gonzalez, ending the inning.
Jeurys Familia who was unavailable last night, came out in the 9th looking for his 5th save.
Familia allowed the catcher Bryan Holaday to single to begin the 9th. Familia bounced back, striking out Christian Yelich’s replacement Lewis Brinson on 3 pitches.
Nothing ever comes easily in Marlins Park.
Derek Dietrich hit a double just past the outstretched glove of Jay Bruce, creating a second and third situation with 1 out. Jeurys Familia bounced back again striking out Miguel Rojas.
The Marlins sent up their most accomplished hitter, Starlin Castro with the game on the line. Justin Bour was lurking in the on deck circle with 3 hits in 4 career at bats against Familia.
Justin Bour would need to wait for another game as Familia struck out Castro looking.
The Mets are 8-1. The Mets are 6-0 against the NL East. The Mets have won 6 in a row. The Mets are on fire, and Jacob deGrom pitches tomorrow.
It wasn’t a signature Syndergaard performance tonight, but he was effective. He went 6 innings, allowing one earned run on 5 hits and 2 walks. Noah struck out 5 Marlins. It’s important to remember that Syndergaard essentially missed all of last season so it might take him a while to really get going.
Don’t get it twisted. It’s not like Syndergaard is getting rocked or anything this season. Mets fans are just waiting for Thor, who I believe will appear very soon.
Here’s a 94 MPH slider as a little treat.
The bullpen has been absolutely fantastic this season. What a difference from last year. The timely hitting continues, and the Mets are playing great baseball, simple and plain.
Everything is coming up Mets right now, but the Mets did squander some opportunities to really put this game away. So I think it’s appropriate to give the bullpen credit two paragraphs in a row. Tremendous.
As stated above, Jacob deGrom gets the start tomorrow, as the Mets hope to keep the good times rolling.
LGM
