Morning Briefing: Astros Take 2-0 Lead Against Mariners in ALDS

Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Houston Astros, off the bats of Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker, led the Astros to a 4-2 win over the Seattle Mariners and have taken a 2-0 series lead in the American League Division Series. Alvarez’s go-ahead home run in the sixth inning makes him the only player to have multiple go-ahead home runs in the sixth inning or later with his team trailing in the postseason and both of those home runs came in back-to-back games, as reported by MLB‘s Sarah Langs.

The NL teams will return to action today, with both series tied at one game apiece. The Braves take on the Phillies at 4:37 p.m. ET, while the Dodgers play the Padres at 8:37 p.m. ET.

The New York Yankees announced that Thursday’s Game 2 Division Series matchup was postponed due to inclement weather and will be made up on Friday afternoon, at 1:07 p.m. ET. The rescheduled game will take place in Yankee Stadium and will be broadcast on TBS nationally.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Latest Mets News

Baseball America released their 2022 Draft Report Card for the New York Mets.

Former Mets infielder Kazuo Matsui has signed a two-year deal to become the new manager of the Saitama Seibu Lions of the Nippon Professional Baseball League. Matsui takes over for Hatsuhiko Tsuji, who announced his resignation from the position. Matsui retired as a player with the Lions in 2018 and then joined their coaching staff shortly thereafter. Matsui signed with the Mets in December 2003, making him the first Japanese-born infielder to play in the major leagues.

Latest MLB News

A few coaching changes have occurred in Colorado, as the Rockies announce that third base and infield coach Stu Cole has been reassigned to a Minor League staff position and hitting coach Dave Magadan and the club have mutually agreed to part ways. The rest of the Rockies coaching staff will return for the 2023 season.

According to ESPN Stats & Info, Atlanta Braves closer Kenley Jansen earned his 20th career postseason save last night. Making him the second player since saves became official to reach 20 career postseason saves. Only Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera has more with 42.

Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register discusses what Padres pitcher Blake Snell said after being asked about facing the Dodgers for the first time since being pulled from his start in game 6 of the 2020 World Series while a member of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Latest on MMO

Michael Mayer discusses how the Mets bullpen can have a different look to it for next season and which players will receive a qualifying offer once the offseason begins.

Dan Quinones highlights why the New York Mets should not let Brandon Nimmo walk in free agency.

On This Date In Mets History

1969: The Mets beat the Orioles 5-0 in Game 3 of the World Series thanks to two brilliant catches by Tommie Agee in center field. Agee and Ed Kranepool homered as well.

1973: Willie Mays collects his final big league hit as the Mets win Game 2 of the World Series over Oakland by a 10-7 score.

1986: Nolan Ryan and Dwight Gooden faced off in a tense matchup at Shea Stadium for Game 5 of the NLCS. Both Ryan and Gooden would pitch deep into the game and both team’s relievers kept it tied until Mets catcher Gary Carter won the game in the bottom of the twelfth with a walk-off single, off Charlie Kerfeld, to win it for New York, 2-1.