New York Mets Series Preview vs. Tampa Bay Rays August 7th-9th
Will The Streak Continue?
The six-game winning streak the Mets are currently on is the second longest of the season, trailing only the 11 consecutive they had all the way back in April. But, this streak is arguably more impressive even though it is barely have the length. How is that possible you ask? Because of the way that it is being accomplished.
The first win streak was essentially all done at Citi Field, where the Mets have been dominant this season to the tune of 38-18; the only win they had on the road in that streak was the first one, as they avoided the sweep by the Braves. Also, the offensive struggles were beginning to rear their ugly head, as the Mets pitching staff was dominant, allowing four or more runs only four times in that span.
This time around, the Mets have done it at home and on the road. The sweep of the Nationals was huge, but looks even better because they didn’t give any of those games back on the road against an inferior Marlins team. That is something the Mets did not do in April, as they lost series to the New York Yankees and Marlins on the road following the lengthy winning streak. Also, which is arguably the most important thing, was that the Mets offense gave timely and consistent production.
The pressure is no longer on the starting staff and bullpen to pitch perfectly, because the Mets now feature a lineup that can get six runs in a game, not scrap just for one or two. It also changes how Terry Collins manages games, as he now knows the offense is more capable of producing, so he isn’t forced to use his bench as early in a situation he feels he may have to pinch out for his starting pitcher.
It is important the Mets continue to bury worse teams than them no matter if it is on the road or at home. Gaining some momentum on the road will make their path to the NL East crown that much easier, as they are already dominant at home; just being average on the road would push them to elite status.