The New York Mets entered Monday’s series finale off an excruciating loss to the Washington Nationals. They blew a 7-1 lead with a poor late-game hitting approach and a bullpen meltdown. They lost the hard-earned momentum from the sweep over the Philadelphia Phillies.
The relief corps’ struggles against the Nationals led to two blown games. The Mets should have won all three games, instead, they only had one victory. Agonizing defeats usually lead to mental funks that can take days, sometimes weeks, to snap out of. How would New York respond?
Brandon Nimmo had struggled mightily throughout the season. He had a .192 batting average, 4 home runs, and 12 runs batted in during almost a month’s action going into Monday. His struggles were compounded by those of Juan Soto and Mark Vientos. The Mets figured to have an elite top of the order, but it has largely been invisible.
This changed dramatically in the series finale. By the afternoon’s close, Nimmo went four for six, with two HR’s, 9 RBIs, and four runs scored. He hit HR’s in back-to-back innings, helping New York stretch its lead from three runs to 11. He hit safely and scored runs in three straight innings.
Nimmo’s career-best day nearly matched his season-long production going in. His 9 RBI tied a single-game club record while he became only the second player ever to post that many in a contest. He set the tone for a loud Mets response to a harrowing setback.
Vientos, like many of New York’s bats, has started slowly. He has, though, shown signs of picking it up. Over the last week, he reached safely in every game, scoring two runs and driving in five.
Yesterday, Vientos delivered his season-best performance. He went two for four, with four runs, a HR, and three RBIs. He put a caper on the Mets’ wild day, blasting a bomb to center and driving in New York’s final three runs. He has a .342 batting average and a 1.039 on-base plus slugging percentage during the last two weeks.
Vientos is looking like the player from last season. His power bat makes it much more difficult for pitchers to throw to Francisco Lindor, Soto, and Pete Alonso. If Nimmo cranks it up, it becomes almost impossible.
Jeff McNeil missed most of the season and recently came back on Friday. It was fair to question how long it would take him to get up to speed. He made a crucial error in the Mets’ 9th inning collapse, and debate raged whether he should play ahead of Luisangel Acuna.
McNeil needed a big performance, and yesterday, he got it. He knocked in New York’s second and third runs with a sacrifice fly and a HR. He also drove in a run with a ground out to second in the 8th inning.
McNeil ended his afternoon by going two for five, a run scored, a HR, and three RBI. He has a .333 batting average and a 1.058 OPS. He played three positions, center field, right field, and second base, showing off his versatility.
McNeil and Francisco Alvarez played huge roles in the Mets’ two victories. They illustrated why New York was eager to get them off the injured list. They add to the length of the lineup and give Manager Carlos Mendoza more flexibility.
The Mets’ overpowering display was not all about hitting. Griffin Canning was an overlooked addition by General Manager David Stearns. Few thought he could have an impact this season.
Canning has given New York a chance to win in each start. He has gotten better each time out. Yesterday, he maintained his constant presence, going five innings, allowing four hits, zero runs, and striking out five. He improved his record to 4-1, with a 2.61 earned run average, 31 innings pitched, 29 hits allowed, and 31 strikeouts.
The Mets’ greatest attribute so prominently displayed last season was their resiliency. They got off to a terrible 22-33 start and dug out of a hole throughout the season. They overcame massive injuries, slumps, and trade deadline acquisitions gone bad to make the playoffs.
This season, that character is rising again. New York had dealt with injuries to the rotation with Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas. They have had many key hitters struggle like Soto, Vientos, and Nimmo. They have had a wild closer in Edwin Diaz and lost a vital setup arm in A.J. Minter.
Yet, the Mets are 20-9, the best record overall. They have a 4.5-game lead over the NL East. They have a 2.62 team ERA, a +50-run differential, and a 12-1 home record, all the best in MLB.
New York has their worst stumble of the season one day, how do they follow up the next? They blast the Nationals in their best performance of the year. The Mets’ greatest skill is picking themselves up and moving on to the next day. Their confidence doesn’t waver, and they never stop fighting. Because of this, anything is possible.
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