Rene Rivera had an eventful game Tuesday during the Mets thrilling 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs. From helping Noah Syndergaard get through 5.2 innings of work, to a costly throwing error that put the Cubs on the board early. He followed with a clutch go-ahead single and ended by helping Jeurys Familia navigate through what seemed the impossible.
Rivera seemed to be at the center of every big situation on Tuesday. He has been a silent leader of sorts, helping to navigate this pitching staff through some tough times and seemingly becoming Thor’s personal catcher along the way. Anytime he has noticed a pitcher seeming to show signs of frustration he shows to be their biggest supporter. Pounding his chest in appreciation of a perfect pitch, pep talks on the mound, Rivera is there for his pitching staff.
Signed as a free agent for his defense, his arm betrayed him at a moment last night. A throw down to third-base which sailed far beyond Jose Reyes‘ reach, causing an unearned run. Rivera though would pay that back in the ninth with a clutch run-scoring single that gave the Mets the deciding second run they would need.
“You knew this was going to be a low-scoring game,” Rivera said. “And you just try to take advantage of all the opportunities you can get, and we did.” (NY Post)
After that hit though, his busy night was not over. There were still three outs left to get. Familia, looking for his 33rd save of the season would go on to load the bases to begin the bottom of the ninth. Rivera though would not let his closer succumb to the pressure, guiding him through what seemed the impossible.
“I knew Familia was going to do it, I know he’s been there before,” Rivera said. “I know what Familia can do, and after the first couple of at-bats I went out there and gave support and said, ‘Hey, we can do this. Go back to the strike zone and you’re going to have all the ground balls,’ and that’s what he did.”
Familia got through it. Two grounders saved what could have been a disastrous loss for a team who just took the lead in the top half of the inning. When things got rough, Rivera was there yet again to see the game through.
Rene Rivera has been a great asset to this team. A steady back-up catcher who has become somewhat of a leader to this club and a great veteran presence. He may not be the best offensively, but he has been a big part to this team from a defensive and leadership aspect that they desperately needed.
