The New York Mets (78-73) defeated the Colorado Rockies (66-86) by a score of 6-1 (Box Score).
With the win, they cut their deficit to four games in the National League Wild Card with 11 games to play.
Elsewhere in the Wild Card race, the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the San Diego Padres 3-1, the Chicago Cubs fell to the Cincinnati Reds 4-2, and the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-4.
Pitching
This game was quite the pitching duel early before the Mets offense broke through, as Marcus Stroman (3-2, 3.86 ERA) battled with former Long Island Ducks starting pitcher Tim Melville (2-3, 5.40 ERA). While Melville eventually cracked, allowing four runs in the sixth, Stroman did not.
Stroman pitched well for his second straight start allowing four hits, one walk, and no runs in seven brilliant innings. It was his ninth start since being traded over to the Mets, and arguably his toughest, having it take place at the hitters’ haven that is Coors Field. The lineup he faced was also heavily left-handed, as six of the eight Rockies starters were lefties.
Manager Mickey Callaway had plans to turn to his two trusty relievers, Justin Wilson and Seth Lugo, to finish out the game; although with the Mets scoring late, he decided to stay clear of Seth Lugo. It turned out to be the right decision as the combination Wilson and Luis Avilán were able to close things out. Justin Wilson (4-1, 2.45) came on in relief for Stroman and pitched a scoreless eighth inning. Avilán allowed a solo home run to Charlie Blackmon in the ninth, but ultimately secured the win for New York.
Offense
The offensive struggles continued early for the Mets as they were held scoreless throughout the first five innings. The bats finally broke through in the sixth, where the team scored four runs on homers by Amed Rosario, Brandon Nimmo, and Pete Alonso. It was Alonso’s league-leading 48th home run of the season. He extended the Mets franchise mark and continues his pursuit of Aaron Judge‘s single-season rookie record of 52 home runs, set in 2017.
For Rosario, it was his 13th home run of the season and with it, he also recorded his league-leading 101st hit on the road. Nimmo’s home-run was just his 7th of the season, although it was his second in two nights, and extended his career batting average at Coors Field to .310.
The Mets added onto their lead in the late innings. First, it was Pete Alonso in the 8th who blooped an RBI single into shallow right field. For Alonso, it was his 111th RBI of the season. Todd Frazier added another RBI single in the ninth, giving him 67 for the year.
On Deck
The Mets will continue their series against the Rockies at Coors Field on Wednesday, as Noah Syndergaard (10-8, 4.15 ERA) toes the rubber against Jeff Hoffman (2-6 7.03 ERA). Syndergaard made headlines after his displeasure of Wilson Ramos went public. Well, it seems as if Syndergaard will get his wish, as Rene Rivera will be behind the plate tomorrow for the Mets.
The game will be broadcast on SNY at 3:10 p.m. ET.
