The New York Mets (41-37) defeated the Chicago Cubs (51-27) by a score of 4-3 tonight. However, the Nationals also won, so the Mets were unable to gain any ground in the standings.
Pitching:
Steven Matz, dealing with the widely talked about bone spur in his elbow, toed the rubber for the Mets tonight and quickly served up a two-run shot to Kris Bryant in the first, as a collective sigh flooded Citi Field.
Matz was able to labor through his elbow troubles, though, and hold the Cubs to just three runs in 5.1 innings, and also struck out six.
Matz left the game down 3-0, but came away with a no-decision as the offense was able to come alive and score four (!!!) runs to bail the lefty out.
Erik Goeddel, who has been very solid, relieved Matz and tossed 1.2 innings, fanning two Cubbies in the process.
Addison Reed came on to pitch the eighth inning, and let up a hit and a walk, but was unable to complete the frame.
Jerry Blevins finished off the inning and kept the Mets up 4-3.
Jeurys Familia as per usual gave the Flushing Faithful a spike in blood pressure, but was able to hold on and record the save as the Mets finally got back in the win column.
Offense:
The Mets didn’t get much going until the fifth, when they had runners at first and second with only one out, but yet again failed to manufacture a run.
However, in the sixth inning, the Mets finally got into the run column in what seemed like the first time in ages. Yoenis Cespedes launched his 19th homer of the year, and additionally, is set to represent the Mets in the all-star game if things stay the way they are.
In the seventh inning down 3-1, the Mets were able to rally and put up a three spot, taking the lead for the first time in the game.
Travis d’Arnaud singled, and Alejandro de Aza (!!!) walked to set up a prime RBI situation for the newbie Brandon Nimmo, who promptly cut the deficit down to one.
Neil Walker reached on a fielder’s choice which scored a run, and then Brandon Nimmo scored on a throwing error as the Mets took the lead. A much needed win for the dejected Mets who just got swept out of Washington. Now let’s make a habit out of it!
On deck:
The Mets will look for another victory tomorrow, as Jacob deGrom (3-4, 2.67 ERA) faces off against Jason Hammel (7-4, 2.58 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM.
