The New York Mets (68-64) defeated the Miami Marlins (67-65) by a score of 7-4 at Citi Field Tuesday evening and pull ahead of them in the Wild Card standings..
Pitching:
Seth Lugo was on the mound for the Mets tonight and what more can you say about these Mets fill-in starters? Seth Lugo gave the Mets exactly what they needed once again tonight. Lugo went six innings giving up two runs while walking one and striking out four.
In the top of the first inning, Lugo ran into trouble right away. After retiring the first two batters, Lugo gave up a double to Martin Prado. Christian Yelich followed by belting his 16th home run of the year to put the Marlins up 2-0 and give them the early lead. That would be it as far as damage against Lugo tonight.
In the seventh and eighth innings Hansel Robles was called on and while he has been really struggling lately, he was able to right the ship and pitch two pain-free innings.
Jim Henderson came in to pitch the ninth inning. Henderson was pitching in his third game in four days and he was not very good. He gave up a solo home run to J.T. Realmuto, a triple to Jeff Francoeur, and a single to Dee Gordon before Collins decided he would have to go to his closer after all.
Of course Jeurys Familia came in and made quick work of Marcell Ozuna to record his 43rd save of the year, a club record.
Offense:
In the bottom of the first inning, Jose Reyes lead the Mets off with a single. Asdrubal Cabrera, who is clearly playing hurt, smashed his 17th home run of the year over the right-field wall to tie the game 2-2. After a Yoenis Cespedes fly out, Jay Bruce doubled on a line drive to right fielder Ichiro Suzuki. Alejandro De Aza then grounded out but was able to move Bruce to third base with two out. Wilmer Flores was next and he singled against righty Tom Koehler to pick up the clutch RBI and give the Mets the early 3-2 lead.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Curtis Granderson lead off the inning with his 21st home run of the year to put the Mets up 4-2. Jose Reyes followed with his ninth double of the season on a line drive to Christian Yelich. Asdrubal Cabrera then walked to put runners on first and second with nobody out. After a Yoenis Cespedes ground out, the Marlins intentionally walked Jay Bruce to load the bases. Alejandro De Aza made them pay by hitting a line drive to right field to score Reyes and make the score 5-2.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, after a Rene Rivera single, Curtis Granderson hit his 22nd home run of the year to put the Mets up 7-2.
Notes:
The Mets have now won eight of their last ten games.
Jeurys Familia ties the franchise record for most saves in a season with 43. Familia shares this record with himself (2015) and Armando Benitez (2001).
Jose Reyes went 4-5 with three singles, a double and scored two runs in tonight’s win. Since coming off the Disabled List, Reyes is batting .356 (26-73) with 16 runs scored, five doubles, one triple, one home run and five RBI.
Neil Walker was not able to play tonight due to an ailing back. Collins informed reporters that Walker will need rest every few days for the rest of the season when he returns.
Steven Matz was scratched from Thursday’s start as his shoulder is still bothering him. Jacob deGrom’s start will be moved up a day to compensate and Rober Gsellman will now remain in the rotation to face Washington on Friday.
JZ Player of the game: Seth Lugo. There are a lot of worthy candidates tonight but Seth Lugo really came through for the Mets tonight in a game they had to have.
On Deck:
The Mets will play their third game of a four-game set with the Miami Marlins at Citi Field tomorrow evening. The game has a start time of 7:10 PM. Bartolo Colon (12-7, 3.44 ERA), looks to keep the Mets rolling against David Phelps (7-6, 2.52 ERA).
