Mets Dominate Second Homestand, Sweep Pirates With Convincing Wins
The New York Mets are proving that they need to be taken seriously.
By JJ Ceglio
This New York Mets team is legit and they need to be taken seriously. On Wednesday, the Mets completed a 3-game sweep of the then 11-5 Pittsburgh Pirates. A slew of good pitching, elite baserunning, hot bats, and a lights-out bullpen led to the sweep. The 0-5 start now seems like nothing more than a bad dream as after the walk-off win against the Tigers, the Mets have found their groove and potentially could make some serious noise soon.
Game 1: Mets win 6-3 After Being Down 3
Coming off a series win against the Royals, the Mets looked to continue the momentum by winning on Jackie Robinson Day. Unfortunately for them, the Buccos had other plans.
The Pirates, after fighting good at-bats finally scored runs off of Adrian Houser, and when he came out Pittsburgh built a 3-run cushion. But the Mets bats battled back, scoring 3 runs in the 6th inning. After a bases-loaded walk to Pete Alonso and an error on a sacrifice fly by Jeff McNeil, the Mets had runners on 2nd and first with the former 0/whatever, now surging DJ Stewart at the dish. Stewart hit a double off the wall that tied the game at 3 apiece.
With Aroldis Chapman in the game, the Mets got to him early, getting runners on 2nd and 3rd with Harrison Bader at the plate. Bader smoked a double into left field that scored both runners. 5-3 Mets. Chapman, who was irate, started arguing with the umpire and was quickly ejected. An unsuccessful fielder's choice by the Pirates extended the Mets lead to 6-3. Diaz comes in, shuts the door, round 1 to the Mets.
Player of the game: Harrison Bader (1/3 2 RBI, 1 stolen base)