We hear it all the time. Major League teams spend significant time during Spring Training on the drill with the pitcher covering first base. It is something which is harped on when teams botch it during the regular season, and we see it is something that can have an impact on the outcome of games.
During the series against the Mets and Indians, it might’ve been the difference between the Mets sweeping the series and them potentially losing the series.
On Wednesday night, the Mets were down 3-2 in the 10th inning. There were runners at the corners with one out as Michael Conforto hit a hard ground ball which was nabbed by Carlos Santana. Instead of going home to try to get the fast Amed Rosario, he went for the game ending double play.
The problem with Santana’s decision is with the way Brad Hand falls off the mound towards third and Conforto’s speed, he wasn’t likely going to get there in time. Of course, that is a moot point as Hand didn’t even bother as he though Santana was going to go home with the ball. It should be noted after the game Terry Francona thought that was the right play.
In the end, the Indians inability to properly execute the play led to the Mets tying the score, and eventually, the Mets winning the game on J.D. Davis‘ first career walk-off hit.
The following night Noah Syndergaard looked like he was poised to pitch a perfect game. He had everything working, and the Indians looked completely over-matched. Then with one out in the sixth Tyler Naquin just got his bat on a very good pitch and dropped it just in front of Juan Lagares. As we sometimes see with lost no-hitters/perfect games, things sped up, and the game was suddenly in jeopardy.
After the opposing pitcher Aaron Civale struck out trying to bunt Naquin over, Francisco Lindor singled to put two on. The tying runs were on base, and for a second it seemed like Naquin was going to score when the ball came off of Greg Allen‘s bat.
Instead, Pete Alonso would make a diving stop. That stop alone would save a run from scoring. As impressive as that was, he sprung up quickly, and he would make a perfect throw to Syndergaard who was busting it from the pitcher’s mound to first base. Syndergaard would get the ball and step on the bag JUST ahead of the speedy Allen. The rally was over, and the Mets were then really on their way to completing the sweep.
The juxtaposition of what happened in similar situations showed just how the Mets are doing everything right. It is why they are beating good teams and pulling off dramatic wins. It’s reason to celebrate as Syndergaard and Alonso would do with their chest bump, and that is why it is the Neon Moment of the Week!
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