Mets’ Offense Awakes in 8-5 Victory Over San Diego
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Mets (59-37) entered Sunday night’s nationally-televised finale at Citi Field looking to avoid a sweep. Against the San Diego Padres (54-43), the Mets’ bats awoke and New York triumphed to a 8-5 victory. This, specifically led by a big three-run home run via Pete Alonso, as well as some strong pitching (outside of Joely Rodríguez), once again. Worth noting, given the Braves lost earlier in the day, the Mets’ division lead sits at 1.5 games with the victory tonight.
The game was a definition of a pitcher’s duel early on. Carlos Carrasco appeared to struggle most of the night, but ultimately turned in five scoreless innings. The only clean frame he had was his final inning where he set down the Padres in order during the fifth inning.
Prior to that, San Diego registered at least one hit in the first four frames. Carrasco stranded five runners on base in the first four innings, including a bases loaded situation in the first. He was aided by two ground-ball double plays. Carrasco may not have been pretty at points, but he got it done and pitched five scoreless.
His final line: 5 IP, 6 H, 2 BB, 1 SO, 92 pitches. Carrasco’s season ERA is down to 4.07. Worth pointing out, this was the 14th straight game where the Mets’ starting pitcher allowed two or fewer runs. A team record. Over that time period, New York starters own a 1.58 ERA.
The Mets did not get their first hit until the fifth inning when new acquisition, Daniel Vogelbach, lined a single to right field. This was followed up by a Mark Canha double, and it appeared the Mets were in business. However, as has been the theme so much recently, New York stranded both runners. They went 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position in the inning which brought the series figure to 1-for-16 at the time. The game remained scoreless after five innings.
The following half inning, the Padres made the Mets pay. After a single, Eric Hosmer lined a ball down the left-field line to bring home the game’s first run with two outs. If it was not for a spectacular Brandon Nimmo grab, the inning may have been worse. Though, San Diego only led 1-0 headed to the bottom of the sixth inning.
PETE. ALONSO. pic.twitter.com/nQGWpqc0Za
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 25, 2022
Just like the fifth inning, New York led off the sixth with a single (Starling Marte) and double (Francisco Lindor). They once again had a runner at second and third base with no outs. This time, New York capitalized with a much-needed hit with runners in scoring position. This specific hit was a damaging one, as Pete Alonso launched a three-run home run to give the Mets a 3-1 lead.
The Mets weren’t done yet. Luis Guillorme hit a bloop single that scored Vogelbach from second. Then, Tomás Nido hit a double over the right-fielder’s head to plate another run. The Mets’ offense, which has been stagnated since before the All-Star break, exploded in the sixth inning. A much-needed awakening as the Mets led 5-1 after six.
The awakening of the Mets’ bats continued in the seventh inning. A Marte walk, followed by a Lindor single, resulted in a run scoring after Alonso doubled home another run. His fourth RBI of the game gave New York a 6-1 lead. The Mets didn’t stop there, as a Canha infield single, followed by a Manny Machado throwing error, scored two more runs. It was a 8-1 New York lead headed to the eighth inning.
David Peterson entered in the eighth inning after scoreless innings from Drew Smith and Seth Lugo and gave up a run. Joely Rodríguez pitched in the ninth and he struggled giving up three runs before Edwin Díaz had to come in and shut the door. This was Díaz’s 21st save of the season.
As evident from the above, the Mets’ offense exploded (eight runs on 12 hits). The run total matched the total amount they scored over the team’s past four games. Four Mets had multiple hits – Alonso, Lindor, Canha, and Marte – and four Mets had at least one extra-base hit – Lindor, Alonso, Caha, and Nido. Newest Met, Vogelbach, had a hit and reached base twice. An overall extremely productive offensive night for most of the lineup.
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Player of the Game: Pete Alonso
The first baseman followed up his second-career All-Star appearance with a hit that snapped the Mets’ offense out of their funk. In the sixth inning, Alonso mashed a three-run home run to left-center field. The ball was tracked at 109 MPH off the bat and traveled 425 feet. This was Alonso’s 25th home run of the season and league-leading 79, 80, and 81st RBI of the season.
Alonso did not stop there, as he added a RBI double for good measure. The rocket was 102.5 MPH and went to deep center field. Despite being blistered, the ball should have probably been caught. Though, it fell for Alonso’s 82nd RBI of the season. Alonso’s final line read 2-for-3, four RBI, a walk, and two runs scored.
The big home run also snapped a team 1-for-16 with runners in scoring position in the series. It could not of come at a better time as it evidently got the Mets’ going. New York scored two more runs in the inning and erupted for eight in the game. An important hit via one of the league’s most important power hitters.
On Deck
The Mets will have an off day tomorrow, Monday, before beginning their first of two, two-game sets against the New York Yankees. Game one of the Subway Series is set to take place at Citi Field at 7:10 P.M. ET on Tuesday. The projected pitching matchup is Jordan Montgomery (3.24 ERA) versus Taijuan Walker (2.55 ERA).
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