The game will feature many current and former major leaguers and a few former New York Mets, including one member of the 2015 National League Champion squad. 

Las Águilas Cibaeñas released their official roster for the Titans of the Caribbean series on Wednesday, headlined (at least for Mets fans) by 2014 NL Gold Glove winner Juan Lagares. A Met for parts of eight seasons, Lagares played 366 career games at Citi Field and is now back for three more.

Most remembered for his outstanding glove in center field, Lagares was among the best fielders the Mets have ever had. His 2013 and 2014 seasons are two of the top three in Mets history regarding defensive WAR, only trailing Rey Ordóñez’s 1999, and Lagares is the only player to have three of the top 20. He’s also one of only three outfielders in MLB history to have multiple seasons of at least three dWAR, joining Kevin Kiermaier and Andruw Jones.

Lagares joined Jay Horwitz on Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz to discuss his career and the upcoming series and said he “can’t wait for that day.”

Jonathan Villar, who had a productive season in Queens in 2021, is another former Met on the roster. In 142 games, Villar hit .249/.322/.416 with 18 home runs as he wound up the team’s primary third baseman. Daniel Palka, who has played in Triple-A for the Mets each of the past two seasons, is also there. Palka played 154 games for the White Sox between 2018 and 2019 and hit 29 home runs.

Former Met Melky Cabrera is on the coaching staff, and current Mets roving infield instructor Luis Rivera is also.

Other notable players on Las Águilas Cibaeñas roster for this series are Christopher Morel, Starlin Castro, Elehuris Montero, and Dinelson Lamet.

Los Tigres del Licey have not released their official roster for the series as of Thursday night. However, some notable former major leaguers have played for them this season, including former Mets Hansel Robles and Adonis Medina. They also have Nabil Crismatt, a former Mets minor leaguer with several solid years for the Padres pitching staff.

Robles pitched in over 400 games in his MLB career, 187 of which were for the Mets. He had a good first two seasons, putting up a 3.55 ERA in over 130 innings between 2015 and 2016, but struggled to find the same success after that before he was ultimately claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels in 2018. Medina appeared in 19 games for the Mets in 2022 and famously picked up his first career save against the Dodgers by retiring Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith in the bottom of the 10th.

Ronny Mauricio, the league’s MVP last season for Los Tigres del Licey, is expected to join the team on Nov. 18, after this series.

Other notable Los Tigres del Licey players include longtime MLB veteran Emilio Bonifácio, Francisco Mejia, Danny Santana, and Arodys Vizcaíno.

Los Tigres del Licey are currently 10-8 and in second place in LIDOM, and they are the league’s defending champions. Las Águilas Cibaeñas are 5-13 and in last place, and most recently won the league in the 2020/21 season. 

Friday’s game will start at 6 p.m., and Saturday’s and Sunday’s games will begin at 1 p.m. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Sports Dreams Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on benefiting youth baseball and similar activities in the Dominican Republic and the United States. 

The post Former Mets Coming to Citi Field for Titans of the Caribbean Series appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Photo by Westchester County Journal News

Good morning, Mets fans!

Saturday was an incredibly special day at Citi Field as the New York Mets retired Keith Hernandez’s number 17 in front of a sellout crowd of 43,336. It was a special day as the 17 was retired and the Mets came through to win in a bizarre walk-off fashion. The Mets and Miami Marlins conclude their series on Sunday at 1:40 P.M. ET at Citi Field.

Latest Mets News

The New York Mets retired Keith Hernandez’s number 17 on Saturday.

Per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the Mets’ attendance for Keith Hernandez Day was 43,336. That is the Mets’ second sellout of the season and their second-largest crowd of the year at Citi Field behind their home opener.

According to Tim Healey of Newsday Sports, Jeff McNeil was getting a rest day on Saturday and will play on Sunday. He is, however, scheduled to go on the paternity list soon and may miss the entire series against the Braves.

The Mets announced that Starling Marte and James McCann left Saturday’s game due to injuries. Marte with groin tightness, and McCann with discomfort in his side. Furthermore, in what appears to be a reactionary move, Patrick Mazeika was removed from Triple-A Syracuse’s game on Saturday.

Per Michael Mayer of MMO, the Mets released Chasen Shreve.

Per Mark Sanchez of The New York Post, Edwin Díaz hopes to remain with the Mets long-term.

Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated reported that according to a source, Jacob deGrom is expected to make his third rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse. He will throw a side session first on Tuesday and the day of the rehab start will either be Wednesday or Thursday.

Latest MLB News

Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Tampa Bay Rays acquired catcher Christian Bethancourt from the Oakland Athletics for Triple-A outfielder Cal Stevenson and Class-A right-handed pitcher Christian Fernandez.

The Boston Red Sox announced on Saturday that they released right-handed pitcher Hansel Robles.

According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the San Francisco Giants designated left-handed pitcher Jake McGee for assignment.

Per MLB Trade Rumors, the San Diego Padres placed Craig Stammen on the 15-day injured list and recalled Dinelson Lamet.

Also according to MLB Trade Rumors, the Cincinnati Reds activated Tyler Stephenson and optioned Mark Kolozsvary.

Latest on MMO

Sam Klein recapped the Mets’ minor league affiliate games from Friday, July 8th, which included Brett Baty hitting his 11^th home run of the year.

Brian Wright took a look back at July 9th, 1969 to Tom Seaver’s “Imperfect Game.”

Joe D explained Foco’s releases of two pairs of new Keith Hernandez bobbleheads.

In honor of Keith Hernandez Day, Brian Wright looked at 17 of Keith Hernandez’s best Mets moments.

Andrew Steele-Davis talked about why Edwin Díaz would love to stay with the Mets and come to an agreement on an extension with the club.

Andrew Steele-Davis recapped Chris Bassitt’s performance from Friday, July 8th.

Mojo Hill discussed how Jacob deGrom expects to make his third rehab start on Thursday with Triple-A Syracuse after two successful rehab assignments with Single-A St. Lucie.

Mojo Hill recapped the Mets’ Keith Hernandez number retirement ceremony.

Alexis Farinacci discussed Starling Marte and James McCann leaving Saturday’s game with apparent injuries. Marte with groin tightness, and McCann with discomfort in his side.

On This Date in Mets History

1999: After a questionable call to make the count ‘0-2’, Matt Franco hit a walk-off single to beat Mariano Rivera. Prior the walk-off hit, the lead in the game had changed five times.

Birthdays: Bob Bailor (71), Larry Burright (85)

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Retire Keith Hernandez’s Number 17 appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets got Max Scherzer back Tuesday night, and he was great. The Mets’ offense was not so great, failing to score a run in a 1-0 loss.

In other news, the Red Sox designated Hansel Robles for assignment. Bring him home?

Latest Mets News

Francisco Alvarez is now ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 prospect in all of baseball.

The Mets will celebrate Disability Pride Night on July 7, according to a team press release.

Latest MLB News

Bryce Harper had three pins put in his left thumb, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported. They’ll have to be there for at least three more weeks.

Chris Taylor has a left foot fracture, according to David Vassegh of MLB Network.

A clause in the new CBA could allow “legends” to be added to All-Star rosters, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Jesus Aguilar stole the first base of his MLB career.

Josh Harrison joined the 5.8% of MLB players to record 1,000 hits.

Latest on MMO

Alex Horowitz named Eduardo Escobar and Edwin Diaz as the Mets’ players of the week.

George Giakoumis wrote about Brandon Nimmo‘s impressive July 4 performance.

Alexis Farinacci talked about Dominic Smith‘s success since coming back up from Triple-A.

On This Date in Mets History

Birthdays: Dave Eiland (66), Jeff Innig (70)

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: Red Sox Designate Hansel Robles For Assignment appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

An Article By Mia Perlman

Good morning, Mets fans!

On Tuesday night, the New York Mets (82-75) beat the Miami Marlins (55-102) in 11 innings with a walk-off walk to Brandon Nimmo. Michael Conforto hit two, two-run homers, both of them keeping the Mets’ playoff hopes alive.

On Wednesday night, the Mets and the Marlins will face off for the third game of this four-game weekday series at Citi Field. Jacob deGrom (10-8, 2.51 ERA) is set to take the hill against righty Robert Dugger (0-3, 4.45 ERA).

Let’s go Mets!

Latest Mets News

Jeff Wilpon announced that Jerry Koosman’s number 36 will be retired by the Mets next year.

The Mets’ elimination number fell to one game, with the team currently five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the second NL Wild Card spot. New York is now tied in the standings with the Chicago Cubs.

Houston Astros bench coach Joey Espada may be a candidate to replace Mickey Callaway as Mets manager, should the Mets replace him in the offseason, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.

According to Hank Winnicki of Newsday, former Met and current Long Island Ducks manager Wally Backman is being sued by his ex-girlfriend in an abuse case.

Former Mets’ reliever Hansel Robles let him be himself more than the Mets did, and is proud of his recent success, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group.

Devan Fink of Fangraphs wrote about how Seth Lugo has quietly been one of the best relievers in baseball.

Brian Cashman told Yahoo Sports that the Yankees didn’t trade for Marcus Stroman because he didn’t think Stroman was a “difference-maker,” according to SNY.

Latest MLB News

Mark Simon of The Athletic wrote a piece honoring the defensive MVPs of all 3o teams.

Kris Bryant injured himself by slipping on a wet base this weekend, and agent Scott Boras is fed up with the lack of action taken by the MLB, per Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated.

The Oakland Athletics will be without Lou Trivino for the remainder of the season after he cracked his ribs falling in the shower.

Latest NL East News

The Philadelphia Phillies were mathmatically eliminated from playoff contention on Tuesday.

The Washington Nationals clinched a National League wildcard spot on Tuesday night.

Latest MMO News

Lindsay Moran discusses the fact that Mickey Callaway believes that Pete Alonso has captain potential.

Joe D. takes readers back in time to when the Mets clinched their first ever division title exactly 50 years ago as of Tuesday.

John Sheridan discusses the negative impact that Mickey Callaway and Brodie Van Wagenen had on Monday night’s loss to the Marlins.

Tim Ryder analyzes Steven Matz’s most recent start against the Marlins on Monday night.

This Date in Mets History

2009: The Mets claimed Jack Egbert on waivers from the Chicago White Sox.

Birthdays: Argenis Reyes turns 37, Dave Weathers turns 50, Bill Hepler turns 77

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Survive Another Day appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

In what has been a news-filled early afternoon for the Mets, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports that the Mets will be sending Kevin Plawecki, Hansel Robles, and Gerson Bautista to Atlanta with the team, with all of them being options for activation.

Plawecki would almost certainly replace Tomas Nido on the roster. With Plawecki having played four games at Las Vegas over the past week on a rehab assignment, including nine innings at catcher last night, he is likely to be activated from the disabled list (broken left hand) and start one of the games tomorrow, with Devin Mesoraco starting the other.

Meanwhile, Robles (sprained right knee) was rehabbing with Plawecki and likely will be activated either tomorrow or Tuesday as well.

Furthermore, the team is bringing Bautista to Atlanta with them and this is just speculation, but this is what the Mets could be planning to do.

One of them would likely be activated tomorrow if AJ Ramos is placed on the disabled list, which it was reported earlier that he was heading back to New York to get his right shoulder examined.

The other might be activated after P.J. Conlon (called up to replace Chris Flexen) appears in one of the games tomorrow, as a means of getting another fresh arm for the remainder of the series.

Meanwhile, the Mets will send Todd Frazier to Las Vegas to continue baseball activities, with the team not wanting Frazier to have to do so in poor weather conditions in Atlanta.

With him heading to Las Vegas, the 32-year old is likely inching closer to a return, with James Wagner of the New York Times reporting that third baseman will begin a rehab assignment with the Triple-A team this week.

Lastly, John Ricco said that Anthony Swarzak (strained left oblique) is not too far behind Frazier. Swarzak went on the 10-day disabled list on April 2 after only two appearances for the club, but had to be transferred to the 60-day DL after dealing with multiple setbacks. The right-handed reliever is eligible to be activated on May 31.

The post Mets Notes: Plawecki, Robles, Bautista Heading to Atlanta, Frazier to Vegas appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Jason Vargas was roughed up for the third straight start as the New York Mets (18-16) were defeated by the Cincinnati Reds (9-27) by a score of 7-2 on Tuesday night at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati.

Pitching

Vargas struggled early as he allowed a pair of runs in the first inning. Jose Pereza and Scott Schebler led off the game with back-to-back singles before a Joey Votto hit by pitch loaded the bases.

Eugenio Suarez then singled home both Pereza and Schebler to give Cincinnati a 2-0 first inning lead. Vargas was able to minimize the damage as a fly out and a 5-4-3 double play ended the inning.

Tucker Barnhart tripled to leadoff the second, however, he was stranded there as Vargas struck out Luis Castillo, Billy Hamilton, and Peraza.

The Reds struck for two more runs in the third. Votto drew a one-out walk, he came around to score on a Suarez double as the relay throw snuck by Tomas Nido. Two batters later, Suarez increased the lead to 4-0 as he scored on a Barnhart single.

Vargas bounced back in the fourth to finish his night with his first and only 1-2-3 inning of the game. Vargas threw four innings, and allowed four runs, on six hits, while walking two and striking out one.

Seth Lugo took over in the bottom of the fifth, and struck out Votto looking en route to a 1-2-3 inning.

AJ Ramos worked around singles by Adam Duvall and Hamilton in a scoreless sixth inning. He allowed a leadoff double to Schebler in the seventh, before being pulled for Jerry Blevins.

Blevins retired the only batter he faced, as he was able to get Votto to fly out to right center. Hansel Robles then came in and allowed an RBI single to Suarez, increasing the lead to 5-2.

A batter later, Scooter Gennett took Robles deep to make it 7-2 Cincinnati. Robles issued a walk and allowed a single before being pulled after tweaking his ankle on an attempt to field a sacrifice bunt.

Paul Sewald came on in relief of the injured Robles, and retired the only batter he faced in the seventh. Sewald needed only three pitches in a 1-2-3 bottom of the eighth.

Hitting

After Luis Castillo was perfect through four innings, Amed Rosario picked up the Mets first hit of the game with a two out single to left center in the top of the fifth.

After being double switched into the game, Wilmer Flores got the Mets on the board with a solo home run in the top of the sixth.

Asdrubal Cabrera singled and Yoenis Cespedes walked with two outs in the sixth. Amir Garrett was then brought into the game, to face Bruce, who he walked on four pitches to load the bases.

Adrian Gonzalez then drew a bases loaded walk, cutting the lead to 4-2. Brandon Nimmo came off the bench to pinch hit for Lugo, however, he struck out to strand the bases loaded.

Cabrera singled and Cespedes walked leading off the eighth. However, a Bruce strike out and a Gonzalez double play ended the inning.

Juan Lagares led off the top of the ninth with a pinch hit single. Devin Mesoraco struck out looking as he made his Mets debut with a pinch hitting appearance.

On Deck

The Mets will look to bounce back and take the rubber game as they send Zack Wheeler to the mound against Sal Romano. First pitch is scheduled for 12:35 p.m. The game can be seen on SNY and heard on 710 WOR.

The post Game Recap: Vargas’ Struggles Continue in 7-2 Loss to Reds appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets got their first helping of humble pie with an epic meltdown in the eighth by their major league best bullpen, as Washington gave New York a taste of their own come from behind medicine.

“We can’t let this put us into a tailspin,” Mickey Callaway said.

Staked to a 6-1 lead, Jacob deGrom had the Nationals in the palm of his gifted right hand. Riding high on his seven-frame gem of an earned run on four hits, a walk and a dozen strikeouts, New York was closing in on their fourth consecutive defeat against their division rivals.

After surrendering an innocuous leadoff single to Moises Sierra, the ace in Callaway’s deck of cards fanned Michael Taylor, then lost Trea Turner on a 3-2 base hit to left. Seth Lugo traded places with deGrom and immediately loaded the bases with a four-pitch walk to Howie Kendrick.

Lugo was dispatched to the dugout for Jerry Blevins who blew his inheritance on an 88 MPH sinker that Bryce Harper deposited into right field for a two-run single, prompting Callaway’s fourth visit to the mound.

AJ Ramos was the answer for one batter, Ryan Zimmerman, who he fanned looking at an outside pitch framed beautifully by Jose Lobaton. Pedro Severino filled the bags with a two-out base hit to shallow left and Matt Reynolds avenged his former team with a free pass on four pitches to close the gap 6-4.

Callaway, brought in Jeurys Familia to stop the bleeding but the dominant closer was demoralized by Wilmer Difo’s game-tying single to right, then completely unraveled plunking Sierra, and plating the go-ahead run on a five pitch walk to Taylor.

“It’s one inning. It wasn’t even the game,” Callaway said. “We’ll learn from it and make sure that it doesn’t throw us into some kind of tailspin. Because we’re a really good team and we’ve been showing that.”

In the top of the ninth, Hansel Robles, who has been much better this season, tried to keep it a one run game, but his 94 MPH four-seam fastball to leadoff hitter Kendrick was at the wrong place at the wrong time, sailing into the center field seats.

On the Mets battered bullpen, “It was just unfortunate,” Callaway said. “Off night for a few of them. But we have to move on.”

How they respond to Monday’s loss is of utmost importance. If they come into Tuesday’s game with a fire under their rears and rebound, the Mets will be in good shape. If not, then they’re in trouble.

The post Callaway Says Bullpen Had an Off Night, Insists Team Must Move On appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Manager Mickey Callaway re-shuffled the line-up card and it was déjà vu all over again at the stadium Mets broadcaster Howie Rose aptly coined, Citi Field South.

Transplanted New Yorkers got to see their home team away from home humiliate the Marlins in much warmer weather in front of a dismal crowd of 6,516.

Mets slugger Yoenis Cespedes’ fever and 1-21 slump took a back seat Tuesday night with a tiebreaking two-run double to beat Miami 8-6 for NY’s seventh straight win, and best 10-game start in franchise history.

In the top of the fifth, Jacob deGrom was cruising along with a three-run cushion courtesy of Wilmer Flores’ RBI double, Asdrubal Cabrera’s long ball, Amed Rosario’s two-bagger and Michael Conforto’s run-scoring base hit.

But in the bottom frame, the Marlins dismantled deGrom’s golden arm taking a 4-3 lead on consecutive singles by Yadiel Rivera, Derek Dietrich, and Miguel Rojas, followed by Starlin Castro’s sac fly sandwiched in between Jason Bour’s two-run homer to left.

The Callaway kids got even their next at-bat when Todd Frazier dumped a double to deep right, reaching third on Cabrera’s fly ball, finding his way home on Juan Lagares’ sacrifice fly to center.

DeGrom bounced back in the bottom of the sixth fanning two out of three.

“I feel like we are in every ball game. You know I come out of that inning and they tie it up for me and we end up getting the win, later on,” deGrom said. “Very impressive club to watch and fun to be a part of.”

However, he was replaced in the seventh by his namesakes, Jacob Rhame. The young reliever, riding the high from his first career save, was humbled by Justin Bour’s two-run homer then relieved by Paul Sewald after surrendering a single to Anderson.

Flores, making the most out of his scattered playing time, parked one into the left-center seats and Cabrera, continuing to be money at the plate, sent a four-seam fastball 406 feet to center to even the score 6-all.

Hansel Robles, who on any given day gives fans a dose of heartburn, came up big in the eighth, striking out a pair, leaving go-ahead runs on base, for his second win of the season.

In the Mets last licks, Rosario was gifted first base on a throwing error by Brian Anderson, Conforto walked on a 3-2 count, and Cespedes delighted his rookie manager with a two-run double down the left field line. Jeurys Familia cleaned up the bottom of the ninth in order for his major league-leading sixth save.

Flores said after the game that the team needs to take advantage of this right now. “When you’re hot, you’ve got to win as many games as you can.”

The post Cespedes Saves Mets Seven Game Winning Streak in The Ninth appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The New York Mets (9-1) extended their winning streak to seven games with a thrilling 8-6 victory over the Miami Marlins (3-8). For the first time in franchise history, the Mets have won nine of their first ten games.

Pitching

Jacob deGrom started off the night with a scoreless first inning, as he was helped out by a nice pick at first by Wilmer Flores. deGrom hit Brian Anderson with a pitch leading off the second, but he was able to get out of the inning with no further threat.

deGrom picked up his first 1-2-3 inning and first strikeout of the night in the top of the third. However, he ran into some trouble in the fourth, as a pair of hits put runners on second and third with two outs. Despite this, deGrom was able to strikeout Braxton Lee looking after an eleven pitch battle.

The Marlins put up a four-spot against deGrom in the fifth thanks to some tough luck. Three straight soft hits, with the last being a Miguel Rojas RBI single off the glove of Todd Frazier created the Marlins first run of the game.

Starlin Castro drove home the second run of the inning with a sacrifice fly to right center. Justin Bour came up after and gave the Marlins a 4-3 lead with a two-run home run to left.

deGrom bounced back and finished the night with a pair of strikeouts in a 1-2-3 sixth. He threw 101 pitches over six innings and allowed four runs, two by way of home runs on seven hits, while walking one, and striking out six.

Jacob Rhame came on in relief of deGrom in the seventh and Justin Bour gave the Marlins the lead again with his second two-run home run of the game, this time facing Jacob Rhame. Paul Sewald relieved Rhame, and retired the only batter he faced on two pitches.

Hansel Robles worked around a Bryan Holaday one-out double, in a scoreless eighth inning. He picked up his second win of the season.

Jeurys Familia secured his sixth save of the season with a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth inning.

Hitting

For the sixth time in ten games, the Mets struck for a run in the first inning. Michael Conforto led off the game with a broken-bat single. Two batters later, Conforto scored from first as lefty killer Wilmer Flores doubled to the left-field corner.

Asdrubal Cabrera continued his hot start, crushing his second home run of the season in the fourth to give the Mets a 2-0 lead.

The Mets tacked on another run in the top of the fifth. After Amed Rosario doubled, Michael Conforto drove him home with his second hit of the game, an opposite-field RBI single.

The Marlins took a 4-3 lead in the fifth off deGrom, but the Mets battled right back in the sixth. Todd Frazier led off the inning with a double, he aggressively advanced to third on a Cabrera fly out to left. A batter later, Juan Lagares drove him in with a sacrifice fly, tying the game at 4.

Just like in the sixth, the Mets battled right back in the eighth. Leading off the inning, Wilmer Flores turned on an inside fastball for a solo home run, cutting the lead to 6-5. Two batters later Asdrubal Cabrera crushed his second home run of the game to right, tying the game at 6.

An ice-cold Yoenis Cespedes picked up the biggest hit of the game in the top of the ninth. Riding a 1-for-20 funk, Cespedes hit a huge two-run double scoring Rosario and Conforto and put the Mets back on top by a score of 8-6.

On Deck

Zack Wheeler will make his season debut as the Mets look to complete the series sweep of the Marlins, who will counter with Jarlin Garcia. The team looks to extend their winning streak to eight games tomorrow night at Marlins Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. and the game will be aired on SNY. The game can also be heard on 710 WOR.

The post Game Recap: Comeback Kids Strike Again in 8-6 Win Over Marlins appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

On a brisk day in Washington, D.C., the Mets erased a pair of one-run deficits to rally past the Nationals 3-2 behind a beautiful rebound by starter Steven Matz — making amends for his subpar season debut.

“The main thing is trust what I have out there and go out and attack them,” Matz said. “Don’t try to pitch around contact. Just go right after them. That was my mentality the whole game and that’s the way I have to be.”

The Long Island lefty pitched five innings of one run ball (unearned) and scattered three hits along with seven strikeouts and a couple of free passes. However, like Matt Harvey before him, he didn’t stay long enough at the fair to garner the win.

However, for Matz, it was a step in the right direction and a start to build off going forward.

“It was a minor adjustment of something I was doing in spring training as well early on, not having that last bit of conviction with my pitch, mentally and physically,” Matz said. “Just finishing, really.”

Eight games in, rookie manager Mickey Callaway’s crew is working on all cylinders with timely hitting, highlight reel defense, and a bullpen that continues to baffle opposing batters.

Callaway seconded Matz’s notion about pitching with more conviction.

“There was a lot more confidence,” he said. “Total conviction in most of his pitches. You could see it in the way he released the ball. So he did a great job, making that adjustment.”

In the top of the second, center fielder Juan Lagares’ grab and release rocket gunned down Brian Goodwin at the plate, trying to score on a single by Pedro Severino.

“He’s awesome out there,” Matz said. “It was huge; in a tight game he comes up firing like that.”

Former Yankee Todd Frazier redeemed himself in the sixth drilling a double off the right field wall, an inning after sailing a routine ground ball past Wilmer Flores for the Nats first go-ahead run.

“I got a good run back and felt better about the game after that,” Frazier said.

Travis d’Arnaud followed up with a game-tying RBI base hit up the middle and prodigal son, Jay Bruce, 2-for-4 on the day, knocked starter Gio Gonzalez off the rubber with a single to right.

Washington wunderkind Bryce Harper took Mets reliever Hansel Robles deep on a fastball off the plate, a good pitch that the hot-hitting right fielder contorted his body for a 2-1 lead.

The Mets got even in their next at bat after Amed Rosario led off with a single, then flew around the bases on Asdrubal Cabrera’s rip roaring double to deep right.

Cabrera took third on Yoenis Cespedes’ ground out to short, Michael Conforto was given a pinch-hit intentional walk, and Cabrera scored on Frazier’s sharp ground out to second that Howie Kendrick bobbled for New York’s go-ahead, eventual winning run.

“It can be contagious,” Callaway said. “There’s something to be said when you give up a run and your guys come in and are raring to go and score another one.”

Rookie reliever Jacob Rhame entered the eighth and erased former Met Matt Reynolds, the only batter he faced, giving way to veteran Jerry Blevins who gave up a one out walk to Harper. And closer Jeurys Familia, repeatedly blowing into this cold right hand, recorded five outs for his fourth save.

“The players, they’re just doing the job,” Callaway said. “It’s almost like you throw anybody in any situation [and] they’re going to get the job done.”

Today, Harvey returns to the mound after his strong comeback debut, as the Mets try to sweep their division rivals before a three-game series in Miami against the struggling Marlins.

The post Matz Pitched With Conviction, Promise In Mets Win Saturday appeared first on Metsmerized Online.