Chris Bassitt Dominates Former Team in 9-2 Win
Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Mets (96-56) defeated the Oakland Athletics (55-96) on Friday night in their first game in Oakland since 2014. Chris Bassitt was masterful in his first start against his former team, allowing two earned runs over eight innings pitched. The Mets’ offense, meanwhile, dominated the Athletics, who came into tonight’s game with the second worst team ERA in the American League.
The Mets’ offense wasted no time against Cole Irvin and started their attack in the second inning. New York loaded the bases with one out after Pete Alonso, Darin Ruf, and Jeff McNeil all reached base on singles. Mark Vientos then singled himself to give the Mets a 1-0 lead and record his second career RBI. The Mets would not stop there, as Brandon Nimmo drove in two more runs with a two-out single to increase the lead to 3-0.
It was deja vu for the Mets in the top of the fifth inning after they loaded the bases for the second time in the game. Nimmo led off the inning with a single and advanced to third after Mark Canha doubled. The Athletics decided to intentionally walk Alonso and pitch to Eduardo Escobar. The Mets’ third baseman cleared the bases on his 19 home run of the season and his first career grand slam to bring the Mets’ lead to 7-0. New York wasn’t finished after the slam, as Vientos doubled home McNeil to increase the lead to 8-0.
The Mets struck once more against Athletics pitching in the top of the seventh inning. With Escobar on first base, McNeil doubled into the gap for his third hit of the game. A defensive miscue by Seth Brown would allow Escobar to score to bring the Mets’ lead to 9-0.
The Athletics would finally get to Bassitt in the bottom half of the seventh. After Sean Murphy doubled to lead off the inning, Seth Brown drove him in with a single to cut Oakland’s deficit to 9-1. The Athletics would scratch out another run in the eighth inning, this time on a solo home run by Dermis García to bring the score to 9-2.
Bassitt’s night would be finished after eight strong innings. In his first start back in Oakland, Bassitt allowed two earned runs and six hits over eight innings for his 16 win of the season. The Mets haven’t had a starter win 16 games since R.A. Dickey won 20 games back in 2012.
Drew Smith would come into the game to finish off the Athletics in order to secure a Mets victory. New York has now won seven of their last eight games, and have a two and half game lead over the Atlanta Braves.
Player of the Game
Eduardo Escobar earned the player of the game against the Athletics this Friday. Escobar’s first career grand slam opened the Mets’ lead to 7-0 and New York never looked back. The Mets’ third baseman came into tonight’s game batting .338/.400/.662 with six home runs in September.
On Deck
Jacob deGrom (5-2, 2.32 ERA) vs Ken Waldichuk (0-2, 7.13 ERA)
The Mets will send deGrom to the mound on Saturday against the Athletics. DeGrom has looked human recently, and has allowed three earned runs for in two second consecutive starts for the first time since 2019.
The Athletics will counter with the Mets by sending out Waldichuk. The left-hander will be making his fifth start for Oakland since being traded by the New York Yankees. It has been a rough go for Waldichuk, as he has allowed 14 earned runs in 17 2/3 innings pitched.
Fans can catch the game on SNY and WCBS 880. The game will begin at 4:07 ET.
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