The New York Mets entered Sunday’s series finale against the Chicago Cubs off another excruciating loss. The Cubs won 6-5, leading wire-to-wire, but it felt entirely within the Mets’ grasp. Clutch hitting was once again an issue as New York went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position. They also lost for the sixth time in the last seven games, which was decided by one run.
The Mets’ RISP hitting fell to .224, 4th worst. It has been their tripping hurdle all season; overcoming it will determine whether they are a true championship contender. Greater consistency will help. Juan Soto is a good example, he hit three HRs in the previous two games. Saturday, he went hitless in five at-bats, contributing heavily to the runners’ stranded issues.
Could New York capitalize on opportunities? Would they win a huge series against Chicago? Who could better provide an answer than the likely future captain, Francisco Lindor?
Similar to Saturday, the Mets and Cubs battled in a tight nail-biter. New York twice took the lead, only to see Chicago tie it. Losing another series at home to a playoff contender, following that to the Arizona Diamondbacks, would stifle much of the Mets’ early-season momentum.
Lindor led off the 8th inning, and he responded with dramatics. He blasted a 391-foot shot over right center, giving New York a 3-2 lead. The Mets have struggled often in high-pressure spots the last couple of seasons, but he has usually been the one constant.
As Lindor goes, so does New York. The Mets’ bats ignited, scoring three more runs to take a 6-2 lead. They would not relinquish it, once again showing resolve in adversity. He ended the afternoon going two for four with a run scored, a run knocked in, and his big-time power blast.
The emergence of Mark Vientos played the largest role in New York’s dramatic turnaround last season. He provided an exceptional power bat, which lengthened the lineup. During the stretch run, he played like a 10-year veteran.
This year, Vientos has learned why baseball is a humbling game. He entered Sunday’s matinee hitting .227 and slugging .675 with four HRs and 15 RBIs. Manager Carlos Mendoza has sat Vientos more often, hoping a mental break would spark a turnaround.
Vientos’s breakout is the key to the Mets’ lineup meeting expectations. They have a fantastic top of the order in Lindor, Soto, and Pete Alonso, but need the length Vientos can provide. Sunday’s finale against the Cubs offered a prime spot for him to get going.
Vientos responded with one of his best games. In a tie game in the 6th, he blasted a shot over left field, giving New York the lead. He followed that in his next at-bat in the 8th by stroking a single, bringing home Alonso. He helped the Mets maintain the momentum started by Lindor, and a big inning ensued.
Vientos must show consistency, but performing well in a huge matchup bodes well. Young players need confidence to succeed in the majors; he has taken a hit. Big-time opportunities seem to wake him up.
Brandon Nimmo, like Vientos, is essential to the length of the lineup. New York will be nearly impossible to pitch to the more dependable Nimmo becomes. Can he help the Mets win more close games and produce in the clutch?
On Sunday, Nimmo offered a strong response. He went two for three, scoring a run and knocking in two. His 381-foot blast over right center put the cap on New York’s explosive four-run 8th. He offers an excellent batting eye with pop but is subject to several lengthy slumps per season. Cutting down the struggles will ensure the Mets have much success.
Kodai Senga and Clay Holmes are making strong ace-level cases; Griffin Canning is showing fans why he shouldn’t be overlooked. New York has won Canning’s last seven starts behind a steady performance that limits damage. He has not given up more than a run in his last five appearances.
Sunday, Canning provided more of the same. He controlled the top-scoring Chicago lineup throughout. He pitched six innings, allowing two hits, one walk, one run, and striking out five. He lowered his ERA to 2.36 with an excellent strikeout per inning ratio. General Manager David Stearns has excelled in finding pitching bargains who can blossom, he has done that again with Canning.
The Mets had several positive developments in the Cubs series, the biggest being Brett Baty’s power display. He hit a HR Friday in his return from the minors, following up with a two HR barrage Saturday night. New York has eagerly awaited its young core of Francisco Alvarez, Baty, and Vientos to jell together. They took great steps against Chicago, which must continue.
The Mets started the season with starting pitching as the biggest question mark. Senga, Holmes, and Canning have become a reliable big three, and there is potential for more once Manaea and Montas return. There is also a bounty of promising young arms in the minors with Brandon Sprout, Nolan McLean, and Jonah Tong.
New York is 26-15, but could easily have 30 wins or more with better clutch performance. If Baty and Vientos can continue to step up, and vets like Nimmo become more consistent, the Mets will get a greater lineup length. This will make it much more difficult for pitchers to work around the top of the order, and RISP production will increase.
New York’s fortitude can never be questioned. They have endured many injuries and have lost a handful of excruciating games. The Mets don’t linger in failure, they almost always play very well following a defeat. They proved that yet again against the Cubs.
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