The Mets (47-42) defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks (42-45) and completed the three game sweep this afternoon at Citi Field by a score of 5-3.
The big story of the day was Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who hit three home runs batting out of the five hole today. Coming into the game, he was batting only .091, but made a huge mark, as he became the first Met to ever hit three home runs in a single game at home.
Nieuwenhuis’ home runs came in the second, third, and fifth innings. His first one was a solo shot to left field, which was video reviewed and upheld, his second was a two-run home run to left field, and his third was a solo shot to right, which was followed by a curtain call.
In the seventh inning, Nieuwenhuis had a chance to become only the 15th player in the modern era to hit four home runs in a game, but was struck out by Andrew Chafin. Regardless, Kirk gets the game ball for today’s game.
In addition to Nieuwenhuis’ three home runs and four RBI’s, Daniel Murphy also contributed a home run of his own, a solo shot in the third inning. The last fifteen runs the Mets have scored have all come via the long ball, after failing to hit one in nine games before Eric Campbell hit one on Tuesday in San Francisco.
Jon Niese pitched another quality start today, as he went 6.2 strong innings, allowing three runs on five hits while walking zero and striking out three. He improves to 5-8 on the campaign.
Jenrry Mejia made his 2015 debut, as he came in to relieve Niese in the seventh. He retired the only batter he faced.
Bobby Parnell pitched a scoreless eighth, which was capped off by a fantastic catch from Lucas Duda.
Jeurys Familia came on in the ninth inning to shut the door, and did just so, as he earned his 27th save of the year. Unfortunately, he is still snubbed from the All-Star Game, as Clayton Kershaw replaced Max Scherzer this afternoon after Scherzer bowed out.
Additionally, Juan Lagares left today’s game with a tight calf. Michael Conforto is having a great Future’s Game in Cincinnati as we speak, and though I don’t think he will be called up if Lagares misses an extended amount of time, a man can dream.
So the Mets go into the All-Star break on a positive note, as they won seven of their last nine games. It’s a shame we have to stop playing with the team in a groove right now, but hopefully the magic continues when play is resumed on Friday in St. Louis.
On deck:
Make sure you tune into the Home Run Derby Tuesday night, and the All-Star Game Wednesday to see our own Jacob deGrom pitch (Hopefully against Mike Trout).
That wraps up the first half of the season, let’s come out strong in the second half! Enjoy the break everyone!
