The New York Mets defeated the Chicago Cubs by a score of 4-1 tonight at Citi Field, and in the process take a huge 2-0 lead in the National League Championship Series.
Offense:
Jake Arrieta. Just the man’s name will strike fear into the bravest. The Cy Young candidate had a regular season record of 22-7 with a ridiculous 1.77 ERA.
Just the mere prospect of facing the dominant righty made this journalist nervous. It did not phase the Mets’ offense, however, as they touched Arrieta up for four runs on four hits over just five innings. In a reversal of fortunes, Arrieta’s ERA now stands at 7.20 for the postseason.
In the first inning, Curtis Granderson singled and scored almost right away, as David Wright hit a long double to center field to give the Mets an early 1-0 lead.
Next, in what’s become a norm in the playoffs thus far, Daniel Murphy golfed a two run home run to right field – his fourth in as many games – to give the Mets a 3-0 lead before Arrieta was even able to record an out.
Curtis Granderson was a catalyst for the Mets yet again, as he scored his second run of the game in the third inning off a single from Yoenis Cespedes.
To be expected, Arrieta settled down the rest of his outing, but the damage was done as Arrieta, who allowed four runs over his final twelve regular season starts, allowed four in only five innings tonight.
Pitching:
Noah Syndergaard, who reportedly through over 100 pitches warming up before throwing an additional 17 pitches in his relief outing Thursday, said his arm “never felt better,” as he was announced as the game two starter.
Thor went 5.2 innings, allowing just one run on three hits, while striking out nine and walking just one.
He hit a bit of a wall in the sixth inning, and was removed before throwing more gas on the fire.
Jon Niese came on to face Anthony Rizzo for a favorable lefty/lefty matchup, and struck out the power hitting first baseman to end the frame.
Addison Reed pitched a clean seventh inning, which was followed up by a spotless eighth from Tyler Clippard.
Jeurys Familia came on for the ninth inning despite pitching 3.1 innings the last two games. However, it didn’t phase him, as his dominant season continued, shutting the door out of the bullpen and earning his fourth save of the playoffs.
On deck:
The Mets are off tomorrow, as they will travel to the Windy City, as they face the Cubs at Wrigley Field for game three Tuesday. Jacob deGrom (14-8, 2.54 ERA) takes on Kyle Hendricks (8-7, 3.95 ERA). First pitch is at 8:00 PM.
