Michael Conforto blasted two home runs last night during the Mets 5-3 loss to the Royals at Citi Field. While he was previously in a 0-for-20 slump before his offensive breakout, manager Terry Collins stuck with him and Conforto rewarded him with a display of the tremendous power potential that made him the team’s top hitting prospect.
Conforto’s first home run came in the third inning and was a towering shot into the Pepsi Porch against Royals right-hander Chris Young. It was a no-doubter that was absolutely crushed and left the park at 107 miles per hour.
His second blast was just as impressive but different, an absolute laser in the fifth inning over the right field wall against a tough lefty in Danny Duffy. It was the first home run Duffy has given up to a left-handed batter since Jim Thome in 2011.
“I definitely felt good at the plate,” Conforto said in reflecting on his 0-for-20 drought. “I had some bad at-bats mixed in there. It seemed like every game, I hit the ball hard, and it didn’t happen to fall in. Today, it felt good to help the team and put some runs on the board.”
With a fluid and well-balanced swing that scouts rave about, Conforto had one of the best offensive showings in a single World Series game by a rookie.
The last time a rookie homered twice in a World Series game was in 1996 when Atlanta Braves outfielder Andruw Jones did so against the New York Yankees. Conforto also became the first player to do it since Pablo Sandoval in 2012 and the first Met since Gary Carter in 1986.
“He’s going to be a very, very good player,” Terry Collins said. “He’s had a rough postseason, he hasn’t had a lot of hits. But I’ve said it before, he’s had good at-bats. He’s dangerous, and tonight he showed that.”
“This guy is going to be an outstanding offensive player. I mean this is a great experience for him to get a lot better fast.”
It’s still amazing to think that he was drafted just one year ago and started this season in Single-A. He’s handled the adjustments so well, and he was even one of the team’s best hitters down the stretch of the regular season.
In 56 games, the 22 year old Conforto batted .270 this season, with 14 doubles, 9 home runs, an .841 OPS and a .506 slugging percentage.
“It’s humbling, and it’s exciting. I’ll definitely remember those moments. The feelings I got on those two home runs were indescribable,” Conforto said. “But it’s a bit conflicting. You want to get that win tonight.”
It’s a shame that his performance last night was overshadowed due to the excruciating way the Mets blew the game. However Conforto certainly has a bright future ahead of him, and it looks like he will be a star on this team for years to come.
