Last nights game against the Washington Nationals marked the biggest game the Mets have played in the last six or seven years.
Prior to the All-Star Break, Mets took two games a piece on the road against both Dodgers and Giants. And heading into the series against the Nationals, the Mets would have some of their best on the mound – Harvey, deGrom and Syndergaard. Starting the series only two games back of the National League East lead, there was reason for optimism.
Harvey, despite retirng the last fourteen batters he faced, gave up five runs (four earned) in seven innings of work. “There has been a lot made of this road trip and I know [Harvey] was kind of jacked up because of it,” manager Terry Collins said. “I think he overthrew a little bit, but I think the rust had a lot to do with it.”
Harvey gave up a RBI single to Yunel Escobar in the first inning. With runners on first and second, Harvey bounced a pitch to Clint Robinson that was blocked by catcher Anthony Recker. Escobar took off to second, and got caught in game of monkey in the middle, ultimately being tagged out by Eric Campbell. During the process, Bryce Harper scored from second base during the play, increasing the lead to 2-0.
Unfortunately, it has become an expectation that the Mets will contribute to their own demise. In the third inning, Daniel Murphy committed an error on a routine throw to first base after a ground ball from Ian Desmond, which resulted in the third run scored by the Nationals. Clint Robinson followed suit with a two-run double.
Harvey would drive in the only two runs scored by the Mets with a two-run single in the fourth inning. Mets pitchers contributing to their offense has become customary, as their pitching staff is amongst the leagues best in offensive efficiency.
Nationals defense played well, as Gio Gonzalez had some exceptional defensive play behind him – specifically from Escobar, Harper, Taylor, and Lobaton.
The Mets continued their horrid streak of leaving runners in scoring position, going 1 for 10, only a day after the Mets went 1 for 26 in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Harvey felt confident after the game. “We are all excited to play and play here especially, and unfortunately I didn’t get it going early,” Harvey said. “I just had to be better earlier in the game.” After retiring the last fourteen batters of the game, it was clear that Harvey began to find his groove.
Mets (48-45) fall three games behind the Nationals in the NL East, with two more games coming up.
The Mets will call on Jacob deGrom, fresh off a dominant outing in the All-Star Game (three strikeouts on ten pitches), to try and give the Mets their first win in the series.
Personal Thoughts
Positive: Harvey figured it out. For much of minor ruckus surrounding Harvey, lets not forget that Harvey is ace of this team. Harvey may not be playing like it right now, but this is his first season after Tommy John, we won’t get 2013 Harvey until next season.
Negatives: Michael Cuddyer’s condition, still remains for the most part, unknown. He was available to pinch-hit last night, but would require a pinch-runner if he indeed reached base. Before the game, it was reported that Cuddyer jogged on his knee and felt fine. There has been speculation that a DL-stint is coming soon for Cuddyer. We will see if there any updates today.
Daniel Murphy committed two errors, one resulting in runs scored by the Nationals. And Eric Campbell got caught up in a play, and completely forget about Bryce Harper on second base which allowed Harper to cross home plate. The Mets can’t drive the nail into their own coffin. Too many times have we seen the Mets commit errors on routine plays. Winning teams always make the plays that they are supposed to make.
The Mets will lean on another ace, Jacob deGrom, to lead them to a win tonight. Mets will face righty Joe Ross (2-1, 2.66 ERA) tonight. Let’s hope the defense and offense shows up.
