Escobar Continues September Surge with Grand Slam Against A’s
Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
The most significant blow and dagger delivered to last night’s 9-2 New York Mets victory over the Oakland Athletics came in the form of a grand slam from none other than Eduardo Escobar. In the top of the fifth inning, the Mets loaded the bases. With Francisco Lindor and Darin Ruf failing to drive in any of the baserunners, Escobar stepped up with a chance to add to his scorching September. A’s starter Cole Irvin tried to slip a first-pitch breaking ball over for a strike, and Escobar didn’t miss it, drilling the first pitch over the 367 sign in left field, pushing the Mets’ lead to 7-0.
Escobar’s first career grand slam blows the game wide open. pic.twitter.com/OpODvbyCDw
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) September 24, 2022
The struggles have been evident for Escobar this season. The 33-year-old third baseman slashed .218/.269/.383 from April 7 to August 31, to go along with 12 home runs and 44 RBI. His struggles from the left side of the plate were even more concerning, where he seemed to be missing every fastball thrown above the belt. However, things were proving to be a lot easier from the right side of the plate. It was not long before Mets’ manager Buck Showalter started platooning Escobar and making him hit strictly against left-handed pitchers.
Despite the struggles, September has proven to be Escobar’s resurgence, slashing an impressive .329/.388/.671 for the month. With seven homers in 21 games, Escobar is giving the Mets another bat that they can count on to provide big-time offense. Already a solid defender at third base, Escobar’s bat was due to breakout at some point this season. So far in September, he has not disappointed.
“I’m happy that I can contribute, but when you look at our lineup from one through nine, we’re all able to contribute,” Escobar said. “It’s nice that I can do my part, but it’s not just me. We’re a tight-knit group when we’re together.”
Showalter has faced some difficult decisions regarding his lineups, and he has seen firsthand the struggles from Escobar. But, Friday night Showalter praised the veteran third baseman.
“[Escobar] is an easy guy to show confidence in because he cares so much and he works hard at his trade,” manager Buck Showalter said. “I think it does a lot for a team when a guy like him repays the confidence his teammates have in him. It’s always good for the morale of a team when somebody you really pull for responds the way he has in a time of need.”
This Mets team comprises many veterans, and Escobar is one of many that is key as the group rides into the 2022 postseason with World Series aspirations.
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