Despite an inconsistent postseason in 2015, Johnny Cueto delivered an incredible performance last night in Game 2 of the World Series. He fired nine outstanding innings while allowing only one run and two hits.
It was a tremendous rebound for Cueto, who allowed eight runs in his last start against the Blue Jays. However, he kept the Mets’ lineup completely off balanced last night with his wicked arsenal and command.
“He threw three or four different pitches for strikes in any count,” Wright said. “And then he kind of keeps you off balance with the quick pitch. And then he kind of takes his time a little bit. As a hitter, it’s all about timing. He disrupted it tonight, for sure — throwing cutters away from right-handed hitters, the sinkers in, changeups, curveballs. Just four excellent pitches throwing them for strikes in any count.”
Cueto seemed to get even better as the game went on He allowed only one runner to reach base after the 4th inning, and he never gave the Mets a chance to make a comeback.
“The longer the game goes the stronger I get. I loosen up, I feel strong,” Cueto said “Thank God Ned (Yost) told him if we score a couple runs in the 8th I would go out. And thank God we were able to do that and I got the opportunity to close this game out.”
It was an emotional night for Cueto, who dedicated the game to Edinson Volquez’s father who passed away on Tuesday. He also made history last night as he became the first Dominican born pitcher to throw a complete game in the World Series.
It was a very sad day for me yesterday. And there was a lot of focus on my part. I dedicated that game to Volquez’s dad and the whole family, and thank God it turned out that way.”
Cueto showed exactly why the Royals went after him so aggressively on the trade market during the season. He is an excellent pitcher, and he has certainly been worth the risk for Kansas City and GM Dayton Moore.
Hopefully, the Mets will continue to battle this series and have another shot to defeat him in his next outing.
