Saturday night’s loss to the Phillies was yet another indication that Met hitters are struggling mightily with the timely hit.
Nevertheless, Dominic Smith was able to provide a glimmer of positivity in a game that certainly needed some.
The night started off rather encouragingly for the Mets offense, as J.D. Davis singled in the first and Smith followed with a double. However, Pete Alonso promptly struck out – continuing the team’s ugly trend and leaving two men on base.
Then came another scoring chance in the third, following Tomas Nido‘s single to center and Brandon Nimmo‘s walk. Alas, it was much of the same, as Michael Conforto proceeded to ground into a double play and Smith – after a Davis walk – struck out to end the inning, leaving Davis and Nido stranded at first and third, respectively.
That was pretty much it for the Mets until the ninth inning, when Smith stepped up to the plate with Conforto at first following a single.
Down 1-2 in the count, Smith cranked a fastball into the right field stands – his fourth homerun in as many games.
Some good news: Dom Smith is still very good and has homered for the fourth (4th) straight game 💪 pic.twitter.com/KBRjejxgDV
— SNY (@SNYtv) August 16, 2020
The Mets’ record for homeruns in consecutive games is five, held by Richard Hidalgo.
When asked about his homerun streak during his postgame presser, Smith appeared less focused on his recent achievements and more intently focused on what he has left to improve upon.
"There's some at-bats when I have RISP where, especially with me being in the middle of the lineup, I need to be able to get that job done"
– Dom Smith on how he feels at the plate right now pic.twitter.com/3jsbO2OVP7
— SNY (@SNYtv) August 16, 2020
Despite his hesitancy to discuss his own success thus far, it’s evident that Smith has started off 2020 right, streak aside.
In 50 at-bats, the lefty has accumulated 15 hits, six doubles, six homeruns, 16 RBI, and seven walks – putting him at a .300/.383./.780 clip. Albeit a small sample size, he also boasts a 1.163 OPS and a 218 OPS+.
The Mets take on the Phils in the final game of a three-game series this afternoon, with the Mets looking to salvage at least one game before heading to Miami to take on the Marlins.
Assuming that Smith will be in the lineup, he will have several chances to tie the aforementioned record for homers in consecutive games, though he will have quite a task ahead of him with Zack Wheeler on the mound.
Stay tuned.
