Wow, what a month… After a convincing 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday, the New York Mets wrapped up the month of August with a record of 20-8.
The last time the Mets had won 20 or more games in a month was back in August of 2000, 15 years ago. And we all know where that season ended up.
It’s been an incredible month to an incredible season that now has the Mets sitting in first place with a commanding 6.5 game lead.
Put A Fork In Them
I said it on August 1 and I’ll say it again on September 1, the Washington Nationals are finished. And if you’re one of those Mets fans that still needs convincing, here’s this:
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, since division play began in 1969, only two teams have come back to win their division after being 6.5 games back or more entering September. The 1978 Yankees (6.5) and the 1995 Mariners (7.5).
Are you finally ready to take the plunge? The Nationals are old news. The only thing I wonder about them is if Matt Williams will get fired before the season ends or after.
Flushing Power Company
The Mets finished the month with 45 home runs to set a new franchise-record for home runs in a single month which used to be 42. The Mets hit as many home runs in August as the did in June (21) and July (24) combined.
The offensive numbers the Mets produced in August are absolutely out of this world. For example, after scoring 97, 95, 84 and 89 runs through the first four months of the season, the Mets scored 168 runs in August – more than any other team in the National League and second only to the Toronto Blue Jays in the majors.
Players of the Month
Matt Harvey should have been 4-0 in August rather than 2-0. The big Mets right-hander was in beast mode, allowing just one run in 27.0 innings while walking two and striking out 24. He held the opposition to a .160 batting average and a .443 OPS. Harvey is ready to get the ball in game one of the NLDS. An honorable mention to Jeurys Familia and his 16 scoreless innings.
Curtis Granderson had his best month as a New York Met, slashing at .282/.377/.555 in 130 plate appearances with nine doubles, seven home runs, 23 runs scored and 22 RBI. He always seems to be a part of every big inning for the Mets and his positive and dedicated outlook has become infectious in the team’s clubhouse. Additionally, his defense in right field has improved drastically. An honorable mention to Yoenis Cespedes who was just as impressive this month in every way.
Magic Numbers
15 – The most games the Mets have been over .500 this season. (August 31)
23 – Yoenis Cespedes RBIs in August, 4th Best in MLB.
2.25 – Sean Gilmartin‘s ERA in 40 appearances this season. Only Familia is better.
.928 – That is Michael Conforto‘s OPS in 29 games as a major leaguer.
4.5 – Jacob deGrom leads the team in Wins Above Replacement.
26 – And of course the most important magic number of all, the elimination number until the Nationals are dead and buried, and the Mets are NL East Champions.
Meaningful games in September!
