The New York Mets looked flat on Wednesday afternoon, as their bats could get little going, collecting only two hits and zero runs. The loss ended the homestand on a sour note. Could they bounce back Friday night?
New York played its first-ever game in Sacramento, and it didn’t disappoint. The Mets’ character has been tested often through hitting struggles, starting pitching injuries, and recent bullpen high-wire acts.
General Manager David Stearns has enjoyed finding starting pitching diamonds in the rough. He did it last season through the likes of Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana. The Mets’ pitching lab and increased emphasis on analytics have inspired confidence that they can unleash any pitcher to higher performance.
Last season with the Los Angeles Angels, Griffin Canning struggled to a 6-13 record with a 5.19 earned run average. He has displayed high strikeout ability, such as in 2023 when he fanned 139 in 127 innings. So far this year, he has given the Mets the opportunity for victories with each start. He did so again last evening in a difficult pitching park.
Canning pitched into the sixth inning, his longest outing of the season. New York’s hitters staked him to an early two-run lead, and he made it hold up, leaving with the Mets up 6-1. He finished with 5 1/3 innings pitched, seven hits, and four runs after the bullpen allowed three inherited base runners to score.
New York’s rotation has been ravaged with injuries through the loss of Manaea and Frankie Montas. The Mets need arms who can get them to their bullpen with a lead. Canning has done that each time out. He is providing a reason for fans to believe he can be this year’s version of the unsung starting pitchers New York had so often last season.
Luisangel Acuna played a huge role in the Mets’ September run, hitting .308 with a .966 on base plus slugging percentage. He filled in admirably while Francisco Lindor was out with a lingering back injury.
So far this year, Acuna has split time with Brett Baty at second base. Last night, he had an opportunity to grab ahold of the starting role until Jeff McNeil comes back from injury.
Acuna went 2 for 4, with a run and a walk. He doubled in the second inning, coming around to score on a double by Luis Torrens. He walked and stole second in the fourth and singled in the ninth. He also flashed his glove with several outstanding defensive plays.
Edwin Diaz has been one of the game’s elite closers since coming to New York. This week, though, has been a difficult one. On Sunday, he hit two batters but was able to escape, holding down the 2-1 Mets win. On Wednesday, he imploded, allowing three runs in two-thirds of an inning.
Last night, Diaz experienced another tightrope performance. Manager Carlos Mendoza called him in to close a 7-4 lead. He responded by allowing one hit, two walks, and two runs before getting Jacob Wilson to ground out to second to finish the nail-biting Mets 7-6 victory.
Diaz now has a 7.94 ERA. He has allowed six hits and four walks in 5 2/3 innings. He has been a mess. New York needs their closer to lock games down without continued drama. His track record indicates he will figure it out, but fans are understandably concerned about his recent performances.
The Mets are 9-4 and in first place in the brutal NL East. Any discussion about what has gone right must center around Pete Alonso. Throughout most of 2024, he struggled mightily with men on base. In late innings, he continuously chased after pitches.
2025 has been a different story. The presence of Juan Soto unquestionably helps Alonso with lineup protection and avoiding the spotlight glare. He is playing with confidence and patience while catapulting the Mets’ offense. Last night proved no different.
Alonso produced each time at bat. He went three for three, also getting hit by a pitch and hitting a sacrifice fly. His fifth inning double scored Soto, and his eighth inning HR ultimately proved to be the difference. Insiders see the the Mets as having two MVP candidates in Lindor and Soto, room needs to be made for a third in Alonso.
New York responded well to a difficult close to the homestand with a gutsy win in Sacramento against the A’s. Nothing has been easy for this team, and last night provided more of the same. They keep finding ways to win and are showing the character so prominent last year.
Alonso couldn’t land the big contract in the winter, which has been a blessing to the Mets. That is unlikely to be an issue for him next offseason with perceived target Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signing a Toronto Blue Jays extension and his torrid start.
Alonso, baring injury, is going to finish the season as the Mets’ all-time HR leader, cementing his New York legacy. He had his Mets moment last postseason with his dramatic playoff series HR against the Milwaukee Brewers. He has only added to it since.
Mets owner Steve Cohen has shown he will do what it takes to win. If Alonso keeps up his performance, signing him to an extension will be at the top of the priority list.
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