In 2018, the Mets even win games that they try to lose.
They even win games on Sunday!
After their 9 game win streak came to a halt last night, the Mets aimed to begin a new streak today. They also set out to win another series after splitting the first two games against the Brewers.
Noah Syndergaard took the ball for the Mets in what can best be described as football weather. It was fitting however, that the game time temperature was 42 degrees on Jackie Robinson day.
Syndergaard retired the first two Brewers hitters, courtesy of a ground out and a strikeout. Then Lorenzo Cain stepped up to the plate.
If you look at the picture above, you’ll see that the 5th pitch was clearly in the strike zone. For some reason, the pitch was called a ball. Four extra pitches later, Cain drew a walk. That was actually the first hitter Syndergaard allowed to reach base in the 1st inning all season.
Travis Shaw was up next and reached on an error when Wilmer Flores was unable to field a ground ball cleanly. That at bat cost Noah another 6 pitches. Syndergaard made quick work of the next hitter, Domingo Santana, but surprise surprise, he needed 29 pitches to get through the 1st inning.
Brandon Nimmo got the start in favor of Jay Bruce today and immediately rewarded Mickey Callaway for his inclusion in the lineup. He singled off the pitcher’s glove and then scored on a Todd Frazier single.
Noah Syndergaard nearly helped his own cause in the 2nd inning. He hit a long double that may have been a home run in less wintry conditions.
Brandon Nimmo tripled in the 4th inning, setting up a very interesting situation. With 2 outs and Nimmo on 3rd base, the Brewers opted to intentionally walk Conforto and pitch to Cespedes. I know Cespedes is slumping but that was crazy to see. Was it simply a right/left thing or did they really just prefer to pitch to Cespedes? It worked out for Milwaukee as Cespedes’ struggles continue.
Syndergaard was dealing today. He struck out 8 Milwaukee hitters in a row at one point today. Unfortunately, the pitch count has been a recurring theme all year. Today was no different.
Syndergaard began the 6th inning by striking out Jonathan Villar. Jesus Aguilar came up next and hit a single. That base hit ended Syndergaard’s day.
Robert Gsellman entered the game in relief. He walked Lorenzo Cain, and then got Travis Shaw to pop up for the second out. That’s when the trouble started.
Domingo Santana reached on a single that just got under Todd Frazier’s glove. The next batter was Hernan Perez. He hit a ball that Amed Rosario fielded cleanly. The throw bounced though, and Wilmer Flores was unable to secure it. The ball rolled away and 2 runs scored. Just like that the Mets were losing 2-1.
That closed the book on Syndergaard. He went 5 ¹/³ and allowed one run. He gave up 2 hits, 1 walk and struck out 11. It was a dominant performance that just didn’t last too long. As the picture above illustrated, he didn’t get any help from the umpires. I’m counting this as a fantastic start and am confident that he will go deeper into games as the season progresses. Relax everybody. Syndergaard allowed 3 base runners and Met fans are acting like he got lit up.
Here’s an insane change up for all you Thor fans.
It was a bit of a blow to be honest. To look up and see the Mets trailing hurt. Luckily, more often than not these 2018 Mets strike right back. Brandon Nimmo made sure that trend continued today.
That Nimmo solo shot tied it at 2, and the score would stay like that for a while.
Robert Gsellman came back out for the 7th inning. He allowed a lead off single, then struck out Eric Sogard. He was replaced by AJ Ramos.
Ramos was a little bit wild today. After a wild pitch, Ramos walked Jonathan Villar. He got Jesus Aguilar to ground to Flores for the second out, but then walked Lorenzo Cain, and was removed from the game so Jerry Blevins could face the lefty Travis Shaw. Shaw grounded out weakly, and the inning was over.
Hansel Robles worked the 8th and had a nice easy 1-2-3 inning. I’m speechless. Robles has blown my mind so far this season, and I’m so grateful. He’s been terrific.
A red hot Jeurys Familia came out for the 9th inning. He struck out the first two batters he faced before walking Jonathan Villar. Villar stole 2nd but it was inconsequential as Jesus Aguilar grounded out to end the inning.
Bottom of the 9th. Cespedes. Frazier. Flores. We are definitely gonna get something started here right?
Cespedes grounded out. Frazier struck out swinging.
Well, Flores is no stranger to late inning heroics. Can he ignite something?
Yup.
This is why you play Wilmer Flores. You can knock him for his defense and no one is going to argue with you. Hey, if Adrian Gonzalez starts today, we may have shut the Brewers out. But there is a reason why Flores is on this team. There is a reason why he means so much to this team.
After last night, it was important to get right back into the win column. This game was sloppy at times. It felt like we were giving the game away at certain points. The team fought, and the bullpen kept putting up zeros. 2018 Mets in a nutshell. Great win. This was the first walk off win for the Mets this season.
Amed Rosario had a really tough day. He drew a walk, but had a real issue throwing over to first base. Like I said, Gonzalez might have swept that all under the rug, but Wilmer Flores is not here for his defense. But, we love Rosario so here is a fine play he made which saved a run.
Callaway faced second-guessing after Jay Bruce pinch hit for rookie catcher Tomas Nido in the fifth. Bruce was intentionally walked because…of course he was! Noah Syndergaard was standing in the on deck circle. Syndergaard popped up to end the inning. I didn’t like the move because obviously you lose two players in one foul swoop, as you have to replace Bruce with Lobatòn. Also, let Nido hit. We know what Lobatòn is. We are in trouble and definitely need outside help if that’s how little we think of our number 1 catching prospect.
Jose Reyes got the start at second giving Asdrubal Cabrera the day off. Reyes did absolutely nothing but kill a few potential rallies.
The Mets have won every series they’ve played to begin the season. They hope to continue that trend as they welcome the Washington Nationals to Citi Field tomorrow. The Mets will miss Steven Strasburg and Max Scherzer which is always a plus. They will also miss Daniel Murphy and Adam Eaton. They might even miss Anthony Rendon.
Jacob deGrom gets the start tomorrow, so the Mets will definitely look to run through a depleted Nationals team.
