It took seven Mets pitchers to contain the Reds on Monday night, and again manager Terry Collins is making all the right moves in a come from behind 5-3 victory on the road.
The Mets got their 13th straight win over Cincinnati, keeping pace with the Cardinals who overcame the Pirates with four two out runs in the top of the ninth.
With the overcrowded Wild Card race keeping every fan glued to the out of town scoreboard, teams in contention can’t afford to fold against the ball clubs that are gimmes like the Reds.
Rookie Rafael Montero tried to keep the Mets in it to win it, but lasted just 4.1 innings, surrendering three runs on three hits, four walks, and striking out four, salvaging a no-decision on the backs of his stingy bullpen brothers after a rough night with his command.
“I think he’s probably working really hard to stay out of the middle of the plate, so he’s pitching to the edges and just missing,” said manager Terry Collins.
“That’s what got him in trouble because now all of a sudden he’s got to make some pitches because when a guy’s on base, [and] he’s got to really bare down. But I’ll tell you, I’m still very impressed with the way he’s throwing. This is not the same guy I’ve seen up here. He’s a much better pitcher.”
Relievers Josh Edgin, Gabriel Ynoa, Josh Smoker, who notched his second win, Fernando Salas, Addison Reed and Jeurys Familia (46th save) were the middle and late inning law firm of shutout ball that a manager dreams of.
Salas has not allowed a run in his 4.1 innings (four outings) since he was acquired from the Angels on August 31, striking out five batters in that span. Familia earned his major league-leading 46th save as he continues polishing up his franchise record.
Curtis Granderson continues to cram for late season exams with a solo shot in the 2nd, followed by Jose Reye’s huge homer to right leading off the third.
Reds left fielder Adam Duvall took Montero deep in the bottom of the inning to tie the score at 2-2, then Joey Votto’s sac fly in the fifth gave his team a short-lived lead.
Then came the turning point of the game when Yoenis Cespedes crushed a monster two run blast to center in the 7th for a 4-3 Mets lead they would never relinquish.
“Veterans run the team, they’re the ones who set the tone here,” Collins said. “Our guys really do set a tone here. They are greatly prepared, they spend a lot of time with our young guys talking about getting prepared, and they come out ready to play. … They know it’s time to step up.”
In the top of the ninth, Collins gave Alejandro De Aza the role of pinch hitter, and he delivered, pouncing the first pitch out of the park for a two run Mets lead.
It’s too early to count the second Wild Card spot before it’s hatched, but it’s feeling pretty damn promising with New York’s fourth win in a row.
And not only is that second wild card in play for the Amazins, but that top wild card is looking pretty darn good too, and it comes with home field advantage.
