The New York Mets played their best season series, sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals behind clutch hitting, excellent starting pitching, and magnificent fielding. Francisco Lindor stood out. He hit 7 for 18 during the four games with two home runs and three RBI. Could the Mets carry momentum against the Philadelphia Phillies?
New York looked to Tylor Megill to get them off on the right foot against the Phillies. He last labored through a tough start against the Minnesota Twins, where he struggled with his command. He threw five innings, allowed eight hits, four runs, and struck out only three.
Megill had different results Monday night. He controlled Philadelphia, dominating them with outstanding stuff and sharp control. He pitched with confidence, acting like he belonged on the big stage. He pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowed only one hit, zero runs, and struck out 10.
Megill has tantalized on and off throughout his career. He, though, has made significant steps forward this season. His performance against the Phillies could be a game-changer. He opened a huge series against a division rival by making them look silly.
Luisangel Acuna started the season in a platoon with Brett Baty but has gained firm control of second base. He has flashed in the field and has been a steady hitter. He has maintained an excellent on-base percentage and is one of the best base stealers on the team.
He continued his outstanding play against Philadelphia. He went one for three, bringing his hitting streak to nine games. He scored in the Mets’ three-run 7th, proving crucial to them holding off the Phillies’ comeback.
Jeff McNeil is due to come back within the week. Originally, it was a foregone conclusion that he would take over second base. Those plans have changed with Acuna’s exceptional play. He is a vastly superior fielder to McNeil with a much greater range. His hot bat will stay in the lineup, and his stolen base threat is unique among most Mets players.
Edwin Diaz has been one of the best closers since coming to New York. Manager Carlos Mendoza banked on him as a sure thing, but he has been anything but recently. Over his last six appearances, he has allowed six runs and walked six.
Diaz walked the tightrope again against the Phillies. Mendoza called on him to take over for Max Kranick, who allowed three straight hits to begin the 9th. Kranick is likely hitting a bit of a wall due to recent overwork.
Diaz allowed a three-run HR from Bryson Scott to bring Philadelphia within a run. The Mets’ five-run lead had seemingly been cut to a run within the blink of an eye. Diaz, as he tends to do with his back up against the wall, responded. He struck out Trea Turner and Bryce Harper to close the win.
Diaz’s fastball velocity has slipped from 98 to 99 miles per hour to 95 to 97. This has combined with command issues, making it more difficult to put hitters away. He is pitching to deep counts and increasing walks. Mets have been able to navigate through this so far, but it bears watching.
Lindor picked right up from the Cardinals series by hitting a leadoff HR, his second in the last two days. He continued his HR tear by blasting a three-run bomb in the 7th, making New York’s lead 5-0. He finished the night with an exceptional two for three with two runs, two HR, and four RBI.
Lindor has had a remarkable stretch to change the focus from his poor start. He has four HR over the last five games and has been the biggest reason for the Mets’ winning streak. He has become the face of the franchise.
New York got a huge win against their division rivals, showing tenacity late. The Mets are now 16-7 with a three-game lead over the Phillies. Last year, they got off to a terrible start and had to dig out of a big hole. They are flipping the table this year.
Lindor has also been showing what New York is capable of. The Mets have three legitimate MVP candidates: Pete Alonso, Juan Soto, and Lindor. Alonso has carried the team throughout, Lindor is now on fire, and Soto is due for an extended streak. They can lift this franchise to great heights.
New York’s rotation was seen as the big question mark. It has proven to be a revelation. Kodai Senga has been an ace, and Clay Holmes has impressed over his last two starts. David Peterson has picked up right from his breakout 2024. Add in Megill’s tremendous start, ERA now at 1.09, and there is much to be excited about.
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