After a disappointing outing in Game 1 of the World Series, Matt Harvey rebounded with an outstanding performance last night against the Kansas City Royals. In eight innings pitched, Harvey struck out nine and allowed only five hits and two runs.
He held Kansas City’s lineup scoreless through the first eight innings, and it looked like he was about to pitch a complete game shutout for the ages. He preformed brilliantly all night with everything on the line, and he fought his way back onto the mound after convincing Terry Collins to leave him in the game for the 9th inning.
“Well, I told him that we were going — that was enough,” Collins said. “And he just came over and said, “I want this game. I want it bad. You’ve got to leave me in.” I said, “Matt, you’ve got us exactly where we wanted to get you.” He said, “I want this game in the worst way.” So obviously I let my heart get in the way of my gut. I love my players. And I trust them. And so I said, “Go get ’em out.”
However, Harvey went on to issue a leadoff walk to Lorenzo Cain, and then gave up a RBI double to Eric Hosmer. Just like that, the game completely changed, and Harvey’s night was finished.
Jeurys Familia came on to try and convert the save, but he yielded the tying run on a RBI ground out and the Mets eventually lost in extra innings.
After the bitter defeat, Collins blamed himself for letting Harvey pitch the 9th and allowing his emotions to get in the way.
“Sometimes you let your heart dictate your mind,” Collins said. “Again, we had said going in if Matt gave us seven, Jeurys was going to pitch two. I’ve got one of the best closers in the game. I got him in the game, but it was a little late. And that’s inexcusable, for me.”
There’s plenty of blame to go around after last night, but none of it should be placed on Harvey. He did everything he could to keep the team alive, and he deserved a better fate for how well he pitched.
