The Mets bullpen pitched three scoreless innings last night to preserve a 4-0 win over the Atlanta Braves in the first of three games at Citi Field.
Mets starter Jon Niese pitched an outstanding game, going six innings while giving up just three hits and no runs. But just as impressive were Addison Reed, Tyler Clippard, and Jeurys Familia who each had strong performances, giving up just two hits through the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings.
Not only did the Mets need to get back in the win column, it was the bullpen who also needed to step up after their lackluster performance on Sunday night against the Yankees. For those of you who may not remember, the bullpen surrendered all 11 runs in that game in just four innings.
Last night it was Addison Reed who picked up right where Niese left off. Reed tossed a scoreless inning and has not allowed a run in 11.1 innings since being acquired by the Mets on August 30th. He’s given up just three runs in 27.1 innings for a 0.99 ERA since July 29th.
Tyler Clippard gave up just one hit and registered two strikeouts, while Jeurys Familia continued to be lights out in the ninth. While it wasn’t a save for Familia, it was yet another scoreless inning. In his last 25.0 innings pitched, Familia has allowed just one run dating back to July 31st.
While this wasn’t a must-win for the Mets, it sure had that type of feel to it. After dropping the final two games in the Subway Series and the Nationals coming off a sweep of the Marlins, it was important for the Mets to get some momentum back.
“We needed this win bad,” manager Terry Collins said. “This win is a big one for us. It kind of rights the ship a little bit, especially after [Sunday] and all the things that have taken place.”
Niese was tremendous in his six innings, and the bullpen performed the way the Mets need them to the rest of the way, including the playoffs (should they get there). A Mets starter once again gave his team a chance to win, and this time the bullpen didn’t squander it. For their reward the gained a half game on the Nats and reduced their magic number to seven. LGM
