Mets Sign Reliever RHP Dellin Betances to a One-Year deal

Mets RHP Dellin Betances (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets signed reliever RHP Dellin Betances to a one-year deal today. Betances is getting a $5.3 million signing bonus and a $2.2 million base salary in 2020. He has a $6 million player option for 2021 with a $3 million buyout and a vesting player option for 2022. Betances pitched in only one game in the 2019 season due to shoulder issues and a partial Achilles tear, but is expected to make a full recovery for next year. He had a dominant stretch from 2014-2018 and was a four-time All Star and became the first reliever to have five consecutive 100 strikeout seasons. In his last full season in 2018, he made 66 appearances with a 2.70 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings. He has a career 2.36 ERA, 1.04  WHIP, and an incredible 14.6 K/9 in 381 2/3 over eight years with the Yankees. This is a great move since the Mets had to upgrade their bullpen after a disastrous 2019 season. If Betances is healthy, he could help form one of the best bullpens in baseball alongside Edwin Diaz, Jeurys Familia, and Seth Lugo.

Mets Sign RHP Rick Porcello To One-Year Deal

Mets RHP Rick Porcello (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets signed RHP Rick Porcello today to a one-year, $10 million deal. Porcello is a local New Jersey native from Morristown and had his best season in 2016 after won the American League Cy Young with the Boston Red Sox. Since that year, he has struggled and had his worst season of his career with a 5.52 ERA. Porcello is a sinker-ball ball and records a lot of ground-outs when he's at his best and need strong infield defense behind him. It's a risk, but one worth taking since they were another need of another starting pitcher and a fifth starter. With the signing of Porcello and RHP Michael Wacha yesterday, they have plenty of pitching depth. Porcello is only 30 and hopefully will find success like he did in 2016. Now they can focus on adding more pieces to the bullpen since the starting rotation is set.

Mets Sign RHP Michael Wacha To One-Year Deal

Mets RHP Michael Wacha (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets signed RHP Michael Wacha today to a one-year deal pending a physical. Wacha will be making $3 million guaranteed and could make up to $7 million with incentives. He made 24 starts and five relief appearances for the Cardinals last year and went 6-7 with a 4.76 ERA, 1.563 WHIP and a 7.4 K/9 in 126.2 innings. It was a difficult year for him last year with the second worst ERA in his career. Wacha has had difficulty staying healthy the last few years  after he shut down in June 2018 with an oblique injury and in 2016 he went on the IL (Injured List) with shoulder inflammation. He was able to stay healthy last year and avoid the IL, so hopefully he will be able to make 30-35 starts.  With this signing, it is expected that Wacha will be the Mets fifth starter this year and RHP Seth Lugo and RHP Robert Gsellman will stay in the bullpen as middle and long relievers and can also step in as starter pitchers in case of injury.

Mets Sign Reliever Brad Brach To One-Year Deal

Mets Reliever Brad Brach (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets signed reliever RHP Brad Brach today on a one-year, $850,000 deal with a player option of $1.25 million for 2021. Brach was signed by the Mets this past August after he was released by the Chicago Cubs. He had a 3.68 ERA, 2.67 FIP,  and 15 strikeouts in 14.2 innings for the team. He has done well against right-handed hitters in his career holding them to a .209 average.

It remains to be seen what Brach's role will be this year since he fares much better against righty hitters than lefty hitters. With the new three-batter rule instituted by MLB, rookie manager Carlos Beltran will have to figure out how to use Brach properly.

Mets Acquire Center Fielder Jake Marisnik from Astros

Mets Center Fielder Jake Marisnik (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets acquired center fielder Jake Marisnik from the Houston Astros today for prospects left-handed pitcher Blake Taylor and 19 year old outfielder Kenedy Corona. Taylor was originally acquired for 1B Ike Davis and was recently added to the 40-man roster in 2019. He had a 2.16 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 10.0 K/9 in 66 2/3 innings as a reliever. Corona hit .301 with 14 doubles, four homers, 19 stolen bases in his first season in pro ball in the Dominican Summer League and finished up his season with the Brooklyn Cyclones.
Marisnik is known more for his defense and hit .233 last year with 16 doubles, three triples, 10 homers, and 10 stolen bases in 318 plate appearances. He will be a free agent after this year and will make more than $3 million.

Mets Hire Jeremy Hefner As Pitching Coach

Mets Pitching Coach Jeremy Hefner (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets announced today that they have hired Jeremy Hefner as their new pitching coach after Phil Regan was the interim pitching coach to finish out last season after Dave Eiland was fired. Hefner spent this past 2019 season as the assistant pitching coach for the Minnesota Twins. Prior to that, he was an advanced scout for the Twins during the two previous seasons. Hefner pitched for the Mets during the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

Mets Hire Hensley Meulens As Bench Coach

Mets bench coach Hensley Meulins (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets announced today they have hired Hensley Meulins as their next bench coach. Meulins previously  was the San Francisco Giants bench coach the last two years under manager Bruce Bochy and had multiple jobs including outfield defense instruction, position and preparation.  Prior to becoming bench coach, he worked as the Giants hitting coach. Meulins also managed the Neatherlands in the 2013 and 2017 World Baseball Classic and won three World Series rings in 2010, 2012, and 2014 as a coach for the Giants.

Jacob deGrom Wins Second Consecutive Cy Young Award

New York Mets RHP Jacob deGrom (Credits to MetsMerziedOnline.com)

New York Mets RHP Jacob deGrom was named the National League Cy Young Award winner for the second consecutive year and received 29 out of 30 first place votes to win in a landslide. deGrom had an 11-8 record with a 2.43 ERA and lead the league with 255 strikeouts and 44 walks in 204 innings and was tied for first in WHIP (Walks and hits in innings pitched) with 0.97. He is one of two Met pitchers along with Tom Seaver to win multiple Cy Young Young Awards and one of 11 pitchers to win it in back-to-back years. deGrom also joined Seaver as the only other player in Major League history to win Rookie of the Year and multiple Cy Young awards.

Pete Alonso Wins National League Rookie of the Year

Mets First Baseman Pete Alonso (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso was named National League Rookie of the Year tonight by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Alonso won the first place vote on 29 out of 30 ballots. He is the sixth Met in franchise history to win Rookie of the Year along with RHP Tom Seaver in 1967, LHP Jon Matlack in 1972, RF Darryl Strawberry in 1983, RHP Dwight Gooden in 1984 and RHP Jacob deGrom in 2014 as previous winners. His career got off to a roaring start after he won Rookie of the Month in April and again in June and September.
He hit his 26th homer in June which broke the National League record set by Cody Bellinger for most homers by a rookie before the All-Star break. Also in June, Alonso was selected to the National League All-Star Team as a reserve and won the Home Run Derby beating out Vladimir Guerrero Jr and donated a portion of his winnings to charities. On August 15th, he hit his 42th homer of the year which set the record for most homers by a Met in a single season.
On September 20th, he hit his 50th homer and became the first Met to hit 50 homers in a season. Five days later, he hit his 51st homer and became the fifth players in MLB history alongside Hall of Famers Mickey Mantle, Jimmie Foxx, Willie Mays and Ralph Kiner to have at least 51 homers and 118 RBI's at the age of 24 or younger in a season.
The next week on the 27th, Alonso hit his 52th homer which tied Yankees RF Aaron Judge's record for most homers in a season by a rookie. The next day, he broke Judge's record with his 53th homer.
Alonso ended up hitting .260 with 53 homers and 120 RBI's which led all rookies and became the first rookie to lead the Majors in homers.

Mets Hire Carlos Beltran as Next Manager

Mets Manager Carlos Beltran (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets announced today that they have hired Carlos Beltran as their next manager. Former Mets manager Terry Collins was named the bench coach for Beltran. This is Beltran's first time as a Major League manager and he was one of the finalists along with Eduardo Perez. Beltran has spent the last two seasons working with the New York Yankees as a special advisor to General Manager Brian Cashman. He was a finalist for the Yankees managerial job in 2017, but lost the job to Aaron Boone.
Collins managed the Mets from 2011-2017 as the longest termed manager in franchise history and led them to a World Series appearance in 2015 and a National League wild card appearance in 2016. He was Beltran's manager for the first half of the 2011 season before Beltran was traded at the trading deadline for Zack Wheeler.
Beltran was one of the greatest position players in Mets history during his tenure from 2005-2011. He hit .280 with 149 homers, 559 RBI's, 100 stolen bases, with four All-Star game appearances and also won two Gold Gloves in center field along with two Silver Slugger Awards.

Mets Bench Coach Jim Riggleman Will Not Return

Mets Bench Coach Jim Riggleman (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets announced today that bench coach Jim Riggleman will not return next year. Riggleman was hired last off season on November 26, 2018 to replace Gary Disarcina on a one year deal. He has a 726-904 record in 13 years as a MLB manager.

Mets Fire Mickey Callaway

Former Mets Manager  Mickey Callaway (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets announced today that they have fired Manager Mickey Callaway. Callway was the manager for the last two seasons with a record of 163-161, but missed the playoffs in both years. He was hired on October 23, 2017 after he was previously the Cleveland Indians pitching coach for five seasons. Mickey did a fine job this year of getting the team together after a difficult first half and was able to get them to rally in the second half with a record of 46-20. He always handled himself with class to the the media and fans and represented the organization well. I wish him well in his future endeavors and I hope he gets another job as a pitching coach or another shot to manage elsewhere.

Mets vs. Braves Game 162 Recap

Mets First Baseman Dom Smith (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves 7-6 this afternoon in 11 innings to sweep their final series of the year and ended up with a record of 86-76. The offense got off to a fast start in the bottom of the first inning after 1B Pete Alonso singled with one out and RF Michael Conforto followed with a single. 2B Robinson Cano drove in Alonso with a sacrifice fly and LF J.D. Davis then hit a two-run homer. The bats went quiet until the bottom of the eighth inning after pinch-hitter Joe Panik hit a solo homer. In the bottom of the eleventh inning, 3B Luis Guillorme and pinch-hitter Wilson Ramos singled and with two outs, pinch-hitter Dom Smith came up in his first at-bat in two months after he was on the injured list and hit a three-run walk-off homer.

RHP Noah Syndergarrd allowed three runs on five hits in seven innings. He gave up two walks and had nine strikeouts. Syndergarrd ended up with a 4.28 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 202 strikeouts in 197 2/3 innings. RHP Paul Sewald followed with a scoreless top of the eighth inning, but came back for a second inning and allowed a game-tying pinch hit homer to Adeiny Hechavarria. LHP Daniel Zamora  had to come in to get the last two outs in the top of the ninth. RHP Tyler Bashlor threw a scoreless top of the tenth inning. In the top of the eleventh inning, RHP Walker Lockett gave up back-to-back homers to Hechavarria and LF Adam Duvall. RHP Chris Mazza had to come in and got catcher Francisco Cervilli to ground into a double play and picked up picked up first win.

This was the last game for the Mets this year and it was a fun season with a lot to look forward to in the offseason. Thanks to everyone for reading and stay tuned for offseason news, signings, and trades.

Game 162: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Brandon Nimmo-CF
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Michael Conforto-RF
4. Robinson Cano-2B
5. J.D. Davis-LF
6. Amed Rosario-SS
7. Todd Frazier-3B
8. Tomas Nido-C
9. Noah Syndergarrd-RHP

The pitching match-up is Noah Syndergarrd (10-8, 4.30 ERA) vs. RHP Mike Soroka (13-4, 2.60 ERA)

Mets vs. Braves Game 161 Recap

Mets First Baseman Pete Alonso (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves 3-0 tonight for their second consecutive win and improved their record to 85-76. The offense was held scoreless for the first two innings until the bottom of the third inning after 3B Todd Frazier led off with a single and catcher Rivera followed with a two-run homer. In the next inning, first baseman Pete Alonso hit a solo homer for his 53th homer of the year, which broke Aaron Judge's Major League record  of 52 in 2017
for most homers in a rookie season.

LHP Steven Matz finished up strong in his final start of the year with six scoreless innings.. Matz gave up two hits and had five walks with seven strikeouts. He picked up his 11th win. RHP Jeurys Familia followed with a scoreless top of the seventh inning. RHP Brad Brach came in next and threw a scoreless top of the eighth. RHP Edwin Diaz closed it out with a scoreless top of the ninth inning and picked up his 26rh save.

The Mets final game is tomorrow afternoon at 3:10 p.m. at home against the Braves.

Game 161: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Brandon Nimmo-CF
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Robinson Cano-2B
4. Michael Conforto-RF
5. J.D. Davis-LF
6. Amed Rosario-SS
7. Todd Frazier-3B
8. Rene Rivera-C
9. Steven Matz-LHP

The pitching match-up is Steven Matz (10-10, 4.37 ERA) vs. RHP Mike Foltynewicz (8-5, 4.46 ERA)

Mets vs. Braves Game 160 Recap

Mets First Baseman Pete Alonso (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-2 tonight and improved their record to 84-76. 1B Pete Alonso drove in the first run of the game in the bottom of the first inning with a solo homer. It was Alonso's 52th homer which ties Yankees RF Aaron Judge's record in 2017 for most homers in a rookie season.. In the bottom of the third inning, SS Amed Rosario hit a RBI double. In the following inning, LF J.D. Davis hit a two-run homer.

RHP Marcus Stroman had a difficult top of the first inning allowing two runs on RBI singles by 3B Josh Donaldson and LF Nick Markakis, but settled down after that with five scoreless innings. His final line was 6 innings, 6 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk and 8 strikeouts. He picked up his fourth win in a Met uniform. RHP Jeurys Familia followed with a scoreless top of the seventh inning. RHP Seth Lugo closed it out with  two scoreless innings in the top of the eighth and ninth innings and picked up his sixth save.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at home against the Braves on FOX at 7:15 p.m.

Game 160: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup

1. Brandon Nimmo-RF

2. Pete Alonso-1B

3. J.D. Davis-LF

4. Todd Frazier-3B

5. Amed Rosario-SS

6. Joe Panik-2B

7. Juan Lagares-CF

8. Tomas Nido-C

9. Marcus Stroman-RHP

The pitching match-up is Marcus Stroman (9-13, 3.23 ERA) vs. LHP Dallas Keuchel (8-7, 3.59 ERA)

Mets vs. Marlins Game 159 Recap

Mets RHP Zack Wheeler (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets lost to the Miami Marlins 4-2 tonight to split their four game series and dropped their record to 83-76. RHP Zack Wheeler cruised through the first seven innings, but it all fell apart for him in the top of the eighth.. He gave up a lead-off double to LF Harold Ramirez and then two batters later after home plate umpire Eric Cooper missed a third strike call on a 1-2 count, Wheeler gave up a two-run homer to catcher Tom Heineman and then allowed homer to the next batter  Pinch-hitter former Met Curtis Granderson. Wheeler was able to finish to get the last two outs and was taken out after the inning in what might have been the final start of his Met career. His final line was 8 innings, 5 hits, 3 runs, 0 walks and 10 strikeouts. LHP Luis Avilan came in next and struck out the only batter he faced in the top of the ninth. RHP Edwin Diaz followed and after getting a ground-out, gave up a solo homer to 1B Austin Diaz. Diaz has allowed 15 homers this year which is the same amount he allowed over the last two seasons combined and the most allowed by a Met reliever in a single year.

The offense was held scoreless until the bottom of the seventh after Wheeler drove in the first run of the game with a RBI single. RF Brandon Nimmo followed with a sacrifice fly.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at home against the Atlanta Braves at 7:10 p.m in their final series of the year.

Game 159: Mets vs. Marlins Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Brandon Nimmo-CF
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Michael Conforto-RF
4. J.D. Davis-LF
5. Robinson Cano-2B
6. Todd Frazier-3B
7. Luis Guilliorme-SS
8. Rene Rivera-C
9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching match-up is Zack Wheeler (11-7, 3.99 ERA) vs. RHP Jordan Yamamoto (4-5, 4.83 ERA)

Dom Smith Activated and Jeff McNeil placed on 60-day IL

Mets first baseman Dom Smith (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets announced today that infielder Jeff McNeil has been placed on the 60-day IL and 1B Dom Smith has been activated off the IL. McNeil was hit by a pitch on the wrist in last night's game and X-rays revealed that he had a right distal ulnar fracture. His recovery time will be six weeks and is expected to ready for Opening Day in 2020.

Mets vs. Marlins Game 158 Recap

Mets RHP Jacob deGrom (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Miami Marlins 10-3 tonight to improve their record to 83-75, but were eliminated from playoff contention. The offense jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning after CF Brandon Nimmo led off with a walk and LF Jeff McNeil followed with a double Two batters, RF Michael Conforto drove them both in with a RBI double and advanced to third base on an error by Marlins RF Lewis Brinson. Catcher Wilson Ramos then hit a RBI ground-out. In the bottom of the second inning, 3B Todd Frazier led off with a single and RHP Jacob deGrom singled on a well executed hit and run. Nimmo walked to load the bases and McNeil drove in Frazier with a sacrifice fly. 1B Pete Alonso then broke the game open with a three-run homer, his 51st of the year and is now one homer shy of tying Aaron Judge's record for most homers in a rookie season as well as 118 RBI''s and 25 homers at home, which also sets a new club record. 2B Robinson Cano led off the bottom of the third inning with a double and two batters later, SS Amed Rosario hit a RBI double. Nimmo later drove in Rosario with an RBI double of his own. In the bottom of the seventh inning, pinch hitter Rajaa Davis hit a RBI double following a walk by Joe Panik.

RHP Jacob deGrom finished up his year with a dominating performance and his final line was 7 innings, 2 hits, 1 walk and 7 strikeouts. deGrom retired the last 14 hitters he faced and has thrown 23 consecutive scoreless innings. He lowered his ERA to 2.43 (second in the National League), threw 204 innings (second in NL), had 255 strikeouts (first in NL) and .97 WHP (first in NL) and a record of 11-8. deGrom is the third pitcher in Met history along with Tom Seaver in 1970 and 1971 and Dwight Gooden in 1984 and 1985 to  have back-to-back seasons of at least 250 strikeouts. It remains to be seen whether or now he will be named the National League Cy Young winner for the second consecutive year. RHP Tyler Bashlor followed with a scoreless top of the eighth inning. RHP Drew Gagnon gave up three unearned runs in the top of the ninth.

Injury News
LF Jeff McNeil left the game in the bottom of the sixth inning after he was hit-by-pitch on the hand and x-rays showed he has a right distal ulnar fracture. McNeil will miss the rest of the year.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at home against the Marlins at 7:10 p.m.

Game 158: Mets vs. Marlins Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Brandon Nimmo-CF
2. Jeff McNeil-LF
3. Pete Alonso-1B
4. Michael Conforto-RF
5. Wilson Ramos-C
6. Robinson Cano-2B
7. Todd Frazier-3B
8. Amed Rosario-SS
9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

The pitching match-up is Jacob deGrom (10-8, 2.51 ERA) vs. RHP Robert Dugger (0-3, 4.45 ERA)

Mets vs. Marlins Game 157 Recap

Mets CF Brandon Nimmo (Credits to Newsday.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Miami Marlins 5-4 tonight in 11 innings to improve their record to 82-75, which ensures that they have a winning season and were able to avoid elimination for one night in the National League wild card standings. The offense was held scoreless for the first six innings until RF Michael Conforto hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh. Conforto delivered again in the bottom of the ninth inning with a two-run homer to tie the game. CF Brandon Nimmo drew a walk with the based loaded in the bottom of the eleventh inning to drive in the winning run.

RHP Noah Syndergarrd had another difficult outing allowing four runs on 10 hits with no walks and seven strikeouts in 5 innings. RHP Chris Mazza followed with 1.2 scoreless innings. LHP Luis Avilan got the last out in the top of the seventh. RHP Seth Lugo threw a scoreless top of the eighth inning. LHP Justin Wilson threw a scoreless top of the ninth inning. RHP Jeurys Familia threw a scoreless top of the tenth inning. RHP Paul Sewald threw a scoreless top of the eleventh inning and picked up the first win of his career.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at home against the Marlins at 7:10 p.m.

Game 157: Mets vs. Marlins Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Brandon Nimmo-CF
2. Jeff McNeil-3B
3. Pete Alonso-1B
4. Robinson Cano-2B
5. J.D. Davis-LF
6. Michael Conforto-RF
7. Amed Rosario-SS
8.  Tomas Nido-C
9. Noah Syndergarrd-RHP

The pitching match-up is Noah Syndergarrd (10-8, 4.22 ERA) vs. RHP Sandy Alcantara (5-14, 4.00 ERA)

Mets vs. Marlins Game 156 Recap

Mets LHP Steven Matz (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets lost to the Miami Marlins 8-4 tonight to drop their record to 81-75. LHP Steven Matz had a 1-2-3- top of the first inning, but gave up a solo homer to Marlins catcher Jorge Alfaro in the top of the second. Matz gave up a double to CF Jon Berti with two outs in the top of the third inning and then a single to SS Miguel Rojas.  He settled down after that with scoreless innings in the top of the fourth and fifth innings, but it all came apart for him in the top of the sixth. Matz gave up two singles and then another single to 3B Starlin Castro to load the bases and then gave up a grand slam to Alfaro and was then taken out. RHP Jeurys Familia had to come in and threw a scoreless inning. RHP Walker Lockett followed and walked pinch-hitter Curtis Granderson to lead off the top of the seventh and then a single to Berti. RHP Brad Brach appeared next and he allowed Rojas to hit  a sacrifice bunt. He got Castro to hit a shallow fly ball, but then walked Alfaro intentionally to load the bases and got LF Harold Ramirez to hit a ground-ball to first base. Brach was unable to get over to the bag quick enough to cover, which allowed two runs to score. LHP Luis Avilan came in next and got the last out in the top of the seventh. RHP Edwin Diaz threw a scoreless top of the eighth inning. RHP Paul Sewald threw a scoreless top of the ninth inning.

The offense was held scoreless for the first five inning against Marlins LHP Caleb Smith until the bottom of the sixth inning after 3B Todd Frazier singled with one out, RF Michael Conforto walked, CF Juan Lagares singled and two batters later, SS Amed Rosario hit a grand slam. They weren't able to score any more runs after that.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at home against the Marlins at 7:10 p.m.

Game 156: Mets vs. Marlins Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Amed Rosario-SS
2. Jeff McNeil-2B
3. Pete Alonso-1B
4. J.D. Davis-LF
5. Wilson Ramos-C
6. Todd Frazier-3B
7. Michael Conforto-RF
8. Juan Lagares-CF
9. Steven Matz-LHP

The pitching match-up is Steven Matz (10-9, 4.16 ERA) vs. LHP Caleb Smith (9-10, 4.24 ERA)

Mets vs. Reds Game 155 Recap

Mets RF Michael Conforto (Credits to MetsMerziedOnline.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Cincinnati Reds 6-3 this afternoon to take two out of three games in the series and improved their record to 81-74. The offense jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first inning after 1B Pete Alonso and 2B Robinson Cano hit back-to back doubles and Cano hit a RBI double. Wilson Ramos followed with a hit-by pitch and RF Michael Conforto came through with a three-run homer. LF J.D. Davis hit a solo homer in the top of the sixth inning. CF Brandon Nimmo also hit a solo homer in the top of the ninth inning.

RHP Marcus Stroman allowed two runs on three hits in 4.2 innings. Stroman gave up three walks and had two strikeouts. He had to leave the game due to feeling nauseous after 88 pitches. RHP Brad Brach had to come in to get the last out in the bottom of the fifth inning with the based loaded and threw a scoreless bottom of the sixth inning as well. He picked up his fifth win. RHP Edwin Diaz followed with a scoreless bottom of the seventh inning striking out the side. RHP Seth Lugo gave up a solo homer in the bottom of the eighth inning. LHP Justin Wilson closed it out with a scoreless bottom of the ninth inning and picked up his fourth save.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at home against the Miami Marlins at 7:10 p.m.

Game 155: Mets vs. Reds Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Brandon Nimmo-CF
2. Jeff McNeil-LF
3. Pete Alonso-1B
4. Robinson Cano-2B
5. Wilson Ramos-C
6. Michael Conforto-RF
7. Todd Frazier-3B
8. Amed Rosario-SS
9. Marcus Stroman-RHP

The pitching match-up is Marcus Stroman (9-13, 3.21 ERA) vs. RHP Trevor Bauer (11-12, 4.41 ERA)

Mets vs. Reds Game 154 Recap

Mets 3B Todd Frazier (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets lost to the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 this afternoon and dropped their record to 80-74. RHP Zack Wheeler had a difficult bottom of the first inning allowing two runs on three hits and a walk and two misplays in the field including an error by 3B Todd Frazier. Wheeler settled down after that and worked around trouble in the fifth inning and was able to go seven innings and keep his team in the game with an efficient pitch count. His final line was two runs (one earned), on seven hits with six strikeouts and one walk and a hits batsman. LHP Justin Wilson came in next in the bottom of the eighth and walked SS Jose Iglesias and gave up a single to LF Jose Peraza and was then taken out. RHP Seth Lugo came in and struck out pinch-hitter Curt Casali for the second out, but was unable to get out of the inning scoreless after he gave up a  two-out pinch-hit RBI single to Christian Colon.

The offense was held scoreless for the first two innings until the top of the third inning after 3B Todd Frazier led off with a single and SS Amed Rosario followed with a double. RHP Zack Wheeler drove in Frazier with a RBI ground-out, but CF Brandon Nimmo and LF Jeff McNeil were unable to come through and both struck out to end the threat.  RF Michael Conforto drew a walk leading off the top of the fifth and Frazier followed with another single. Rosario hit a long fly-out to move Conforto to third base and Wheeler hit a safety squeeze and reached first base after Reds 1B Joey Votto made a throwing error to load the bases. Nimmo came up next and was hit-by pitch to tie the game, but McNeil and 1B Pete Alonso struck out to end the inning.

The Mets next game is tomorrow afternoon at the Reds at 1:10 p.m.

Game 154: Mets vs. Reds Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Brandon Nimmo-CF
2. Jeff McNeil-LF
3. Pete Alonso-1B
4. Robinson Cano-2B
5. Wilson Ramos-C
6. Michael Conforto-RF
7. Todd Frazier-3B
8. Amed Rosario-SS
9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching match-up is Zack Wheeler (11-7, 4.09 ERA) vs. RHP Anthony DeSclafani (9-9, 3.93 ERA)

Mets vs. Reds Game 153 Recap

Mets First Baseman Pete Alonso (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 tonight for their third consecutive win and improved their record to 80-73. The offense was held scoreless for the first five innings until the top of the sixth after 3B Jeff McNeil hit a solo homer. In the top of the seventh inning, LF J.D Davis and SS Amed Rosario followed with a two-run homer. In the top of the eighth inning, RF Michael Conforto single and 1B Pete Alonso followed with a two-run homer for his 50th homer on the season. Alonso is the first Met and second rookie after Aaron Judge with 52 homers in 2017 to hit 50 homers in a season. In the top of the ninth with two outs, CF Brandon Nimmo singled, and McNeil drove him in with a double. Alonso was then walked intentionally and CF Juan Lagares then came through with an RBI single. Conforto followed with an RBI single of his own.

RHP Jacob deGrom had another dominating start with seven scoreless innings allowing four hits and no walks with nine strikeouts. deGrom picked up his 10th win on the year and lowered his ERA to 2.51, second in the National League behind Dodgers LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu. RHP Brad Brach followed and retired the first two hitters he faced and then a single to LF Josh Vanmeter and was then taken out. LHP Luis Avilan followed and walked 1B Joey Votto and was then taken out. RHP Edwin Diaz had to come in and struck out Reds slugger 3B Eugenio Suarez to end the inning. RHP Jeurys Familia gave up a run in the bottom of the ninth on a solo homer by RF Aristides Aquino, but was able to get the last three outs to close it out.

The Mets next game is tomorrow afternoon at the Reds at 4:10 p.m.

Game 153: Mets vs. Reds Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Brandon Nimmo-CF
2. Jeff McNeil-3B
3. Pete Alonso-1B
4. Robinson Cano-2B
5. Wilson Ramos-C
6. Michael Conforto-RF
7. J.D. Davis-LF
8. Amed Rosario-SS
9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

The pitching match-up is Jacob deGrom (9-8, 2.61 ERA) vs. RHP Luis Castillo (15-6, 3.22 ERA)

Mets vs. Rockies Game 152 Recap

Mets First Baseman Pete Alonso (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Colorado Rockies 7-4 this afternoon to take two out of three games in the series and improved their record to 79-73. The offense got on the board early in the top of the first inning after LF Jeff McNeil hit a solo homer. The bats went quiet for the next few innings and had some opportunities, but weren't able to score any runs due to some some strong defensive players by Rockies SS Trevor Story. In the top of the sixth inning, 1B Pete Alonso hit a solo homer for his 49th homer of the year which ties Mark McGwire's record for second-most homers by a ML rookie and was also his 80th extra base hit which tied the club record set by Carlos Beltran in 2006 and Howard Johnson in 1989. They weren't able to score any more runs in the sixth inning after SS Amed Rosario popped out and catcher Rene Rivera grounded out with the based loaded. It was a controversial decision by manager Mickey Callaway to have Rivera hit instead of pinch-hitting Wilson Ramos. In the top of the eighth, Alonso led off with a single and 3B Todd Frazier followed with a walk. Pinch-runner Sam Haggerty came in to run for Frazier. A passed ball by Reds catcher Dom Nunez moved Haggerty and Alonso to second and third. RF Michael Conforto drove in a run on an RBI ground-out to Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado, but Rosario struck out to end the inning. In the top of the ninth inning, pinch-hitter catcher Wilson Ramos led off with a single and was pinch-run for by CF Juan Lagares. Pinch-runner J.D. Davis followed with a single and CF Brandon Nimmo came through with an RBI single to score Lagares and tie the game for his 24th RBI of the year. McNeil then came up and had an excellent at-bat and fought back from an 0-2 count to draw a walk to load the bases. Alonso came up and drew a based loaded walk. 2B Robinson Cano grounded into a double play with the bases loaded to score Nimmo. RHP Seth Lugo came up for his first at-bat of the year and hit an RBI single for his fourth career RBI.

RHP Noah Syndergarrd had a scoreless bottom of the first inning, but gave up a solo homer to CF Sam Hillard in the bottom of the second. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Syndergarrd gave up another solo homer to Hillard on what looked like a routine fly out off the bat to left field. He loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth after he gave up singles Rockies starter RHP Jeff Hofmann and SS Trevor Story and walked 1B Ryan McMahon. He got 3B Nolan Arenado to pop out, but gave up a sacrifice fly to RF Charlie Blackmon. In the bottom of the sixth inning, he gave up a single to 2B Garrett Hampson who stole second and later gave up a RBI single to pinch-hitter Ramiel Tapia. After he walked Story, he was taken out for RHP Jeurys Familia. Familia struck out McMahon to end the inning. Syndergarrd's final line was 5 2/3 innings, 10 hits, 4 runs, 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. RHP Brad Brach followed with a scoreless bottom of the seventh inning. RHP Seth Lugo closed it out with scoreless innings in the bottom of the eighth and ninth innings and picked up his seventh win.

The Mets are off tomorrow and return to action on Friday, September 20th at the Cincinnati Reds at 7:10 p.m.

Game 152: Mets vs. Rockies Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Brandon Nimmo-CF
2. Jeff McNeil-LF
3. Pete Alonso-1B
4. Robinson Cano-2B
5. Todd Frazier-3B
6. Michael Conforto-RF
7. Amed Rosario-SS
8. Rene Rivera-C
9. Noah Syndergarrd-RHP

The pitching match-up is Noah Syndergarrd (10-8, 4.15 ERA) vs. RHP Jeff Hoffman (2-6, 7.03 ERA)

Mets vs. Rockies Game 151 Recap

Mets CF Brandon Nimmo (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Colorado Rockies 6-1 tonight and improved their record to 78-73 and cut the lead down to 4 games in the National League Wild Card with 11 games left. The offense was held scoreless for the first five innings until the top of the sixth after 3B Todd Frazier singled and SS Amed Rosario followed with a two-run homer his 13th on the year and 101th hit on road. CF Brandon Nimmo latrer homered in the inning. 1B Pete Alonso also hit a solo homer in the sixth for his 48th homer of the year. Alonso drove in another run with an RBI single in the top of the eighth. 3B Todd Frazier added a RBI single in the top of the ninth.

RHP Marcus Stroman had the best start of his Met career throwing seven scoreless innings allowing four hits and one walk with seven strikeouts. Stroman pitched inside effectively and kept the Rockies lefty hitters off balanced with his change-up, cutter and curve-ball. He picked up his third win. LHP Justin Wilson followed with a scoreless bottom of the eighth inning. LHP Luis Avilan gave up a solo homer to RF Charlie Blackmon in the bottom of the ninth, but was able to get the last three outs.

The Mets next game is tomorrow afternoon at the Rockies at 3:10 p.m.

Game 151: Mets vs. Rockies Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Brandon Nimmo-CF
2. Jeff McNeil-LF
3. Pete Alonso-1B
4. Robinson Cano-2B
5. Wilson Ramos-C
6. Michael Conforto-RF
7. Todd Frazier-3B
8. Amed Rosario-SS
9. Marcus Stroman-RHP

The pitching match-up is Marcus Stroman (8-13, 3.35 ERA) vs. RHP Tim Melville (2-2, 5.16 ERA)

Mets vs. Rockies Game 150 Recap

Mets LHP Steven Matz (Credits to NyPost.com)

The New York Mets lost to the Colorado Rockies 9-4 tonight for their second consecutive loss and dropped their record to 77-73. They are now five games behind the Chicago Cubs for the second wild card spot in the National League. LHP Steven Matz started out well allowing one run through three innings on a solo homer by LF Ian Demond, but it all fell apart for him in the bottom of the fourth. Matz gave up a RBI single to CF Garrett Hampson, another RBI single to Rockies starting pitching RHP Antonio Senzatela and a three-run homer to SS Trevor Story for a total of six runs and was tajen out after the inning. His final line was 4 innings, 6 hits, 7 runs, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. RHP Walker Lockett came in next and threw a scoreless bottom of the fifth inning. LHP Luis Avilan and RHP Paul Sewald combined to throw a scoreless bottom of the sixth inning. RHP Jeurys Familia gave up a run in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI single by Hampson. RHP Edwin Diaz gave up a RBI double to 3B Nolan Arenado in the bottom of the eighth inning.

CF Brandon Nimmo got the offense off to a fast start with a lead-off solo homer in the top of the first inning. 3B Jeff McNeil hit a two-run homer in the top of the third. SS Amed Rosario hit a RBI double in the top of the fourth.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at the Rockies at 8:40 p.m.

Game 150: Mets vs. Rockies Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Brandon Nimmo-CF
2. Jeff McNeil-3B
3. Michael Conforto-RF
4. Robinson Cano-2B
5. Pete Alonso-1B
6. J.D. Davis-LF
7. Amed Rosario-SS
8. Tomas Nido-C
9. Steven Matz-LHP

The pitching match-up is Steven Matz (10-8, 3.84 ERA) vs. RHP Antonio Senzatela (9-10, 6.87 ERA)

Mets vs. Dodgers Game 149 Recap

Mets RHP Zack Wheeler (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 tonight to lose two out of three games in the series and dropped their record to 77-72 and dropped four games behind the Chicago Cubs for the second National League wild card spot with 13 games left. RHP Zack Wheeler had an excellent start allowing one run on six hits with no walks and nine strikeouts in seven innings. The only run Wheeler allowed was an RBI single by Dodgers SS Corey Seager in the top of the fourth. LHP Justin Wilson came in next in the top of the eighth and was unable to record an out. Wilson walked pinch-hitter Jedd Gyorko to lead off the inning and then Gyorko was able to reach third after Wilson committed a balk and then later threw a wild pitch. He then gave up a RBI double to 3B Chris Taylor. RHP Seth Lugo had to come in and retired catcher Will Smith on a fly out to end the inning. Lugo stayed in for the top of the ninth and gave up a one-out RBI double to LF Enrique Hernandez.

The offense jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the second inning after 2B Robinson Cano walked with one out, LF J.D. Davis singled to advance Cano to third base and CF Brandon Nimmo came through with a two-run triple. The whole lineup struggled tonight and reached base only seven times with 3 hits, 3 walks and a hit-by pitch and were 1-5 with runners in scoring position.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at the Colorado Rockies at 8:40 p.m.

Game 149: Mets vs. Dodgers Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup

1. Jeff McNeil-3B

2. Pete Alonso-1B

3. Michael Conforto-RF

4. Wilson Ramos-C

5. Robinson Cano-2B

6. J.D. Davis-LF

7. Brandon Nimmo-CF

8. Amed Rosario-SS

9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching match-up is Zack Wheeler (11-7, 4.21 ERA) vs. RHP Walker Buehler (13-3, 3.14 ERA)

Mets vs. Dodgers Game 148 Recap

Mets RHP Jacob deGrom (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-0 tonight and improved their record to 77-71. The offense was held scoreless for the first seven innings, but was able to break through in the bottom of the eighth inning. 3B Todd Frazier was hit by a pinch with one out and two batters later pinch-hitter Brandon Nimmo was also hit by a pinch and SS Amed Rosario walked to load the bases against Dodgers LHP Julio Urias. Pinch-hitter Rajaj Davis stepped up to the plate and came through with a three-run double to clear the bases. It was his second double of the year and now has 7 RBI's on the year.

RHP Jacob deGrom was outstanding once again with 7 scoreless innings. deGrom had a 1-2-3 top of the first inning and was able to escape out of a jam in the top of the second inning after he struck out 2B Gavin Lux and catcher Russel Martin to end the inning. He settled down after that with 1-2-3 innings in the top of the third, fourth and fifth innings. DeGrom was able to retire 16 hitters in a row at one point. In the top of the seventh inning, he gave up singles to SS Corey Seager and CF Adam Pollack, but was able to get out of that jam as well and was taken out after the inning. His final line was 7 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and 8 strikeouts. He lowered his ERA to 2.61, which is third lowest in the National League. It was the 78th time in 169 starts that he allowed one run or fewer. Degrom has had 17 starts this year of 7 innings or more and has allowed 2 or fewer runs or less in 15 of those starts. RHP Seth Lugo followed with a scoreless top of the eighth inning and struck out the side. Lugo picked up his 6th win. LHP Justin Wilson was able to close it out with a 1-2-3 top of the ninth inning and recorded his 3rd save on the year.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN at 7:05 p.m. against the Dodgers.

Game 148: Mets vs. Dodgers Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup

1. Amed Rosario-SS

2. J.D. Davis-LF

3. Jeff McNeil-RF

4. Pete Alonso-1B

5. Wilson Ramos-C

6. Robinson Cano-2B

7. Todd Frazier-3B

8. Juan Lagares-CF

9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

The pitching match-up is Jacob deGrom (9-8, 2.70 ERA) vs. LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (12-5, 2.45 ERA)

Mets Select Donnie Hart from Triple-A Syracuse and DFA Eric Hanhold

Mets LHP Donnie Hart (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets announced today that they have selected the contract of LHP Donnie Hart from Triple-A Syracuse and DFA RHP Eric Hanhold to make room on the 40-man roster. Hart was acquired  in August on a waiver claim by the Milwaukee Brewers. He appeared in five Major League games this year ( 7 2/3 innings) and allowed no runs and giving up four hits and four walks with three strikeouts.  Hanhold was acquired in 2017 as part of the trade for 2B Neil Walker, but appeared in only three Major League games in 2018.  He had a 3.84 ERA  in 48 games in Triple-A this year.

Mets vs. Dodgers Game 147 Recap

Mets RHP Noah Syndergarrd (Credits to Newsday.com)

The New York Mets lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-2 tonight to snap their two-game losing streak and improved their record to 76-71. RHP Noah Syndergarrd started out well with three scoreless innings, but it all unraveled for him in the top of the fourth inning after he walked RF Cody Bellinger on 4 pitches and allowed four runs in the innings. His final line was 5 innings, 4 runs, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. RHP Jeurys Familia came in next and gave up a run in 1 2/3 innings. LHP Luis Avialan gave up two runs in the top of the seventh inning on two hits and a walk. RHP Walker Lockett gave up a two-run homer in the top of the eighth to rookie pinch-hitter Edwin Diaz.

LF J.D. Davis drove in the first run of the game with a solo homer in the bottom of the first inning. SS Amed Rosario drove in a run on an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning. The offense had chances against Dodgers ace LHP Clayton Kershaw, but left seven runners on base and were 1-5 with runners in scoring position.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at home against the Dodgers at 7:10 p.m.

Game 147: Mets vs. Dodgers Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup

1. Amed Rosario-SS

2. J.D. Davis-LF

3. Jeff McNeil-3B

4. Wilson Ramos-C

5. Robinson Cano-2B

6. Todd Frazier-1B

7. Michael Conforto-RFF

8. Juan Lagares-CF

9. Noah Syndergarrd-RHP

The pitching match-up is Noah Syndergarrd (10-7, 4.06 ERA) vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw (13-5, 3.06 ERA)

Mets vs. Diamondbacks Game 146 Recap

Mets CF Juan Lagares (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 11-0 this afternoon to complete a 4 game sweep and improved their record to 76-70. 3B Todd Frazier continued his torrid stretch with a solo homer in the bottom of the second inning. In the bottom of the third, SS Amed Rosario stuck out to lead off the inning and 1B Pete Alonso reached on a throwing error by SS Nick Ahmed. 2B Robinson Cano grounded out for the second out and LF J.D. Davis kept the inning alive with a single. RF Michael Conforto followed with a single and Frazier walked to load the bases. CF Juan Lagares came up to the plate and broke the game open with his first career grand slam. Cano led off the bottom of the fifth inning with a solo homer. Four batters later after a fly out, walk and strikeout, Lagares came up again and hit another homer this time to the opposite field for his second of the game and first multi-homer game of his career. Catcher Tomas Nido followed with a homer on the very next pitch. Conforto added a solo homer in the bottom of the seventh for his 30th homer of the year and sixth homer overall for the team.

RHP Marcus Stroman had his best outing of the year in a Met uniform and took a shut-out in the seventh inning. Stroman walked RF Jarrod Dyson and catcher Alex Avila and an RBI double to pinch-hitter Ildemaro Vargas and was then taken out with runners on second and third and one out. His final line was 6.1 innings, 4 hits, 1 run, 4 walks and 6 strikeouts. He picked up his second win as a Met. LHP Daniel Zamora came in next and walked RF Abraham Almonte to load the bases. Zamora struck out LF Josh Rojas for the second out and was relived for RHP Chris Mazza. Mazza was able an inning-ending ground-out and was able to finish the game and close it out with scoreless innings in the top of the eighth and ninth innings.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at home against the Dodgers at 7:10 p.m.

Game 146: Mets vs. Diamondbacks Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Amed Rosario-SS
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Robinson Cano-2B
4. J.D. Davis-LF
5. Michael Conforto-RF
6. Todd Frazier-3B
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Tomas Nido-C
9. Marcus Stroman-RHP

The pitching match-up is Marcus Stroman (7-13, 3.42 ERA) vs. LHP Alex Young (7-3, 3.38 ERA)

Mets vs. Diamondbacks Game 145 Recap

Mets First Baseman Pete Alonso and Second Baseman Jeff McNeil (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-0 tonight for their third consecutive win and improved their record to 75-70. The offense got on the board immediately in the bottom of the first inning after SS Amed Rosario led off with a single and two batters later, 2B Jeff McNeil reached base after he was hit by a pitch. Rosario and McNeil then pulled off a double steal which paid dividends after catcher Wilson Ramos hit a RBI ground-out. LF J.D. Davis followed with a single and 3B Todd Frazier came through with a two-run homer. RF Brandon Nimmo next hit a solo homer. In the bottom of the second inning, McNeil hit a solo homer. In the bottom of the third, Frazier hit a solo homer for his second homer of the game. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Rosario reached on an infield single and McNeil followed with a two-run homer, his second homer of the night as well.

LHP Steven Matz continued his strong stretch with six scoreless innings allowing four hits and three walks with seven strikeouts. Matz picked up his `10th win of the year and lowered his ERA to 3.84. RHP Jeurys Familia followed in the top of the seventh and threw a scoreless inning. RHP Paul Sewald threw a 1--2-3 top of the eighth inning. RHP Tyler Bashlor closed it out with a scoreless top of the ninth inning.

The Mets next game is tomorrow afternoon at home against the Diamondbacks at 1:10 p.m.

Game 145: Mets vs. Diamondbacks Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Amed Rosario-SS
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Jeff McNeil-2B
4. Wilson Ramos-C
5. J.D. Davis-LF
6. Todd Frazier-3B
7. Brandon Nimmo-RF
8. Juan Lagares-CF
9. Steven Matz-LHP

The pitching match-up is Steven Matz (9-8, 4.00 ERA) vs. LHP Robbie Ray (12-7, 4.03 ERA)

Mets vs. Diamondbacks Game 144 Recap

Mets RHP Zack Wheeler (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-2 tonight for their second consecutive win and improved their record to 74-70. 3B Todd Frazier drove in the first two runs of the game with a two-run double in the bottom of the second inning. Frazier drove in another run with an RBI double in the bottom of the fourth inning. He ended up 2-3 with two doubles and three RBI's.

RHP Zack Wheeler gave up a run in the top of the first inning on a RBI single by 3B Eduardo Escobar, but settled down nicely after that. His final line was one run on seven hits in seven innings with two walks and seven strikeouts. He picked up his 11th win and lowered his ERA to 4.21. Wheeler featured a sharp curveball and also mixed in a nasty slider and change-up. He has allowed only one run in each out of his last three starts. RHP Brad Brach came in next in the top of the eighth and gave up a solo homer to Escobar with one out in the inning. LHP Justin Wilson followed in the eighth with two outs and walked LF Josh Rojas, but retired LF Adam Jones on a ground-out to end the inning. Wilson came back out for the top of the ninth and gave up a lead-off single to SS Nick Ahmed and a single with one out to pinch-hitter Kevin Croin to move runners to first and third. He retired CF Ketel Marte on a ground-out to first base for the second out and struck out former Met Wilmer Flores to end the inning. Wilson picked up his second save on the year and now has a 1.46 in 24 2/3 since he returned off the injured list on July 2nd.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at home against the Diamondbacks at 7:10 p.m.

Game 144: Mets vs. Diamondbacks Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Jeff McNeil-LF
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Michael Conforto-RF
4. Wilson Ramos-C
5. Robinson Cano-2B
6. Amed Rosario-SS
7. Brandon Nimmo-CF
8. Todd Frazier-3B
9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching match-up is Zack Wheeler (10-7, 4.33 ERA) vs. RHP Zac Gallen (3-4, 2.50 ERA)

Mets vs. Diamondbacks Game 143 Recap

Mets First Baseman Pete Alonso (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 tonight to snap their two-game losing streak and improved their record to 73-70. The offense got on the board early in the bottom of the first inning after 1B Pete Alonso hit a solo homer., his 46th on the season. The bats went quiet for the next two innings until the bottom of the fourth after catcher Wilson Ramos led off with a double, and after 2B Robinson Cano popped out and L.F. J.D. Davis grounded out, CF Brandon Nimmo was walked intentionally with two outs. SS Amed Rosario followed and came through with an RBI single. Alonso hit another solo homer in the bottom of the fifth for his 47th on year and fourth multi-homer game this year.

RHP Jacob degrom started out well with four scoreless innings, but gave up a solo homer to former Met and fan favorite 2B Wilmer Flores in the top of the fifth inning.  deGrom settled down after that and cruised through the top of the sixth and seventh innings. His final line was 7 innings. one run, three hits, one walk and 11 strikeouts. He was dominant tonight from the beginning and had all of his pitches working including a sharp change-up and slider. deGrom picked up his his ninth win and lowered his ERA to 2.70. RHP Seth Lugo followed with a 1--2-3 top of the eighth inning and two strikeouts and closed it out with another 1-2-3 top of the ninth inning and two more strikeouts. Lugo picked up his fifth save on the year and lowered his ERA to 2.79.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at home against the Diamondbacks at 7:10 p.m.

Game 143: Mets vs. Diamondbacks Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Jeff McNeil-3B
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Michael Conforto-RF
4. Wilson Ramos-C
5. Robinson Cano-2B
6. J.D. Davis-LF
7. Brandon Nimmo-CF
8. Amed Rosario-SS
9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

The pitching match-up is Jacob deGrom (8-8, 2.76 ERA) vs. RHP Merrill Kelly (10-13, 4.69 ERA)

Mets vs. Phillies Game 142 Recap

Phillies 3B Maikel Franco (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets lost to the Philadelphia Phillies 10-7 this afternoon to lose two out of three games in the series and dropped their record to 72-70. RHP Noah Syndergarrd started out well with two scoreless innings after he was handed a 3-0 lead, but gave up a sacrifice fly to SS Jean Segura in the top of the third inning and a solo homer to RF Adam Hasely in the top of the fourth. Syndergarrd gave up a two-run homer to RF Corey Dickerson in the top of the fifth and was taken out after the inning. His final line was 5 innings, 6 hits, 4 runs, 1 walk and 5 strikeouts. RHP Paul Sewald came in next in the top of the sixth inning and faced two batters, including a double to 1B Rhys Hoskins. LHP Luis Avialan followed in the sixth and gave up a RBI single to pinch-hitter Phil Gosselin and  a two-run homer to 3B Maikel Franco. In the top of the seventh inning, LHP Justin Wilson gave up a two-run homer to SS Scott Kingery.  RHP Tyler Bashlor followed and gave up a walk with the based loaded to pinch-hitter Bryce Harper.

The offense got off to a fast start in the bottom of the first inning after catcher Wilson Ramos hit a two-run homer. 2B Robinson followed with a solo homer of his own. In the bottom of the fifth inning, CF Brandon Nimmo hit a RBI single to tie the game at 4. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Ramos hit a RBI ground-out and Cano hit a sac fly. Pinch-hitter Joe Panik hit a RBI single in the bottom of the seventh,

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks at 7:10 p.m.

Game 142: Mets vs. Phillies Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Jeff McNeil-3B
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Michael Conforto-RF
4. Wilson Ramos-C
5. Robinson Cano-2B
6. J.D. Davis-LF
7. Brandon Nimmo-CF
8. Amed Rosario-SS
9. Noah Syndergarrd-RHP

The pitching match-up is Noah Syndergarrd (10-7, 3.97 ERA) vs. RHP Vince Velasquez (6-7, 4.80 ERA)

Mets vs. Phillies Game 141 Recap

Mets RHP Marcus Stroman (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets lost to the Philadelphia Phillies 5-0 tonight and dropped their record to 72-69. RHP Marcus Stroman gave up a lead-off homer to 2B Cesar Hernandez in the top of the first inning. Stroman settled down after that with scoreless innings in the top of the second and third inning, but it all fell apart for him in the top of the fourth inning. LF J.D. Davis dropped a routine fly ball off SS Scott Kingery to start the inning and RF Adam Hasley followed with a single. Hernandez then hit a RBI single and catcher J.T Realmuto also hit a RBI single. LF Corey Dickerson then broke the game open with a two-run double and then Stroman was taken out. His final line was 4 innings, 10 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), 0 walks and 6 strikeouts. LHP Daniel Zamora came in next and threw a scoreless top of the fifth inning. RHP Walker Lockett followed with two scoreless innings in the top of the sixth and seventh innings.  RHP Jeurys Familia threw a scoreless top of the eighth inning. RHP Tyler Bashlor threw a scoreless top of the ninth inning.

The offense struggled all night against Phillies LHP Drew Smyly. They managed five hits and were 0-9 with RISP.

The Mets next game is tomorrow afternoon at home against the Phillies at 1:10 p.m.

Game 141: Mets vs. Philies Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Amed Rosario-SS
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Jeff McNeil-2B
4. J.D. Davis-LF
5. Michael Conforto-RF
6. Todd Frazier-3B
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Tomas Nido-C
9. Marcus Stroman-RHP

The pitching match-up is Marcus Stroman (7-12, 3.28 ERA) vs. LHP Drew Smyly (3-6, 6.65 ERA)

Mets vs. Phillies Game 140 Recap

Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-4 tonight for their second consecutive win and improved their record to 72-68. 3B Todd Frazier led off the bottom of the third inning with a single and LHP Steven Matz bunted him over to second base. LF Jeff McNeil drove in Frazier with an RBI single. In the bottom of the fourth inning, RF Michael Conforto hit a solo homer. Frazier led off the bottom of eighth inning with a walk and was pinch-run for Sam Haggety who was just called up from Triple-A. Pinch-hitter Luis Guillorme bunted Frazier over to second base and 1B Pete Alonso came through with an RBI single. Two batters later, catcher Wilson Ramos hit an RBI single as well to make it a 4-2 game and add a much needed insurance run. In the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs, CF Juan Lagares singled, pinch-hitter J.D. Davis singled to move Lagares to third and McNeil was then hit by a pitch to load the bases for Alonso. Alonso managed to draw a walk, which brought in the winning run.

LHP Steven Matz gave up two runs on six hits in 5 2.3 innings. Matz had four strikeouts with no walks and three strikeouts. LHP Luis Avilan came in next with two outs in the top of the sixth and walked pinch-hitter Phil Gosseline to load the bases. RHP Brad Brach had to come in in a key spot and retired SS Jean Segura on a fly-out to end the inning. Brach stayed in for the top of the seventh and threw a scoreless inning. LHP Justin Wilson threw a scoreless top of the eighth inning and lowered his ERA to 1.97.  RHP Edwin Diaz came on in the top of the ninth inning, but blew his second consecutive save and seventh overall after he allowed a two-run homer to catcher J.T. Realmuto. Diaz was able to pick up his second win.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at home against the Phillies at 7:10 p.m.

Game 140: Mets vs. Phillies Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Jeff McNeil-LF
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Michael Conforto-RF'
4. Wilson Ramos-C
5. Robinson Cano-2B
6. Amed Rosario-SS
7. Brandon Nimmo-CF
8. Todd Frazier-3B
9. Steven Matz-LHP

The pitching match-up is Steven Matz (9-8, 4.04 ERA) vs. RHP Zach Eflin (8-11, 4.33 ERA)

Mets vs. Nationals Game 139 Recap

Mets 1B Pete Alonso and 3B Todd Frazier (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets beat the Washington Nationals 8-4 this afternoon to take two out of three games in the series and improved their record to 71-68. CF Juan Lagares hit a solo homer in the top of the second inning. In the top of the fourth inning, RF Michael Conforto hit a lead-off double and 2B Robinson Cano followed with a two-run homer. 1B Pete Alonso hit a solo homer in the top of the fifth inning, his 45th of the year. In the top of the sixth inning, Cano led off with a walk, LF J.D. Davis doubled, and SS Amed Rosario then broke the game open with a two-run single. 3B Jeff McNeil followed with a RBI single. Rosario led off the eighth with a single, and pinch-hitter Brandon Nimmo walked and then Rosario stole third. McNeil drove in Rosario with another RBI single, his second of the game.

RHP Zack Wheeler had a difficult first three innings allowing six his and two walks throwing 76 pitches, but allowed one run. Wheeler settled down after that with scoreless innings in the bottom of the fourth and fifth innings. His final line was five innings, one run on seven hits with two walks and three strikeouts. He picked up his 10th win. RHP Jeurys Familia came in next in the bottom of the sixth and walked his first two hitters and then gave up a RBI single to 2B Asdrubal Cabrera. Familia then gave up a two-run double to 2B Anthony Rendon and was then taken out. LHP Luis Avilan came on and struck out LF Juan Soto to end the inning. RHP Seth Lugo appeared next and threw two scoreless innings in the bottom of the seventh and eighth innings with two hits and no walks with a strikeouts. LHP Justin Wilson closed it out with a scoreless bottom of the ninth inning.

The Mets are off tomorrow and return to action on Friday, September 6th at home against the Philadelphia Phillies at 7:10 p.m.

Game 139: Mets vs. Nationals Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Jeff McNeil-3B
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Michael Conforto-RF
4. Wilson Ramos-C
5. Robinson Cano-2B
6. J.D. Davis-LF
7. Amed Rosario-SS
8. Juan Lagares-CF
9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching match-up is Zack Wheeler (9-7, 4.41 ERA) vs. RHP Anibal Sanchez (8-6, 3.80 ERA)

Mets vs. Nationals Game 138 Recap

Mets RHP Edwin Diaz (Credits to Newsday.com)

The New York Mets lost to the Washington Nationals 11-10 tonight in heartbreaking fashion and dropped their record to 70-68. RHP Jacob deGrom didn't have his best stuff allowing four runs pn eight hits for the second consecutive loss in seven innings. Degrom gave up three walks and had six strikeouts and also hit a batter. He wasn't as sharp as usual, but managed to keep his team in the game and left the game with a lead. RHP Seth Lugo followed with a scoreless bottom of the eighth inning and lowered his ERA under 3.00 to 2.96. In the bottom of ninth inning, it all unraveled after RHP Paul Sewald gave up four runs, Luis Avilan gave up a run, and RHP Edwin Diaz gave up a three-run walk-off homer to catcher Kurt Suzuki. It was the first time in team history that they have blown a six run lead in the ninth inning and the 25th blown save by the bullpen. It was the worst loss of the season by far and throws a devastating blow to the team's wild-card chances. Once again, the team's bullpen let them down and it's embarrassing they can't find a reliever who can finish a game and get three outs. GM Brodie Van Wagaren should be embarrassed and held accountable for putting together a terrible back of the bullpen with guys like Paul Sewald, Tyler Bashlor, Drew Gagnon, Brooks Pounders, Chris Mazza, etc.  He said come get us and put out this garbage for a pen. Edwin Diaz has been a major disappointment and not the same dominant reliever he was last year. Lugo has been the only reliable reliever all year. This pen has cost them numerous times and ruined an opportunity to go to the playoffs.

The offense was held scoreless for the first three innings until the top of the fourth inning after catcher Wilson Ramos hit a RBI double. CF Brandon Nimmo followed with a sacrifice fly. 2B Joe Panik then hit a two-run homer. Nimmo hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning. LF Jeff McNeil hit a two-run single. 1B Pete Alonso added a two-run homer, his 44th homer of the season.

The Mets next game is tomorrow afternoon at the Nationals at 1:10 p.m.

Game 138: Mets vs. Nationals Starting Lineup and Pitching Match-Up

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Jeff McNeil-LF
2. Pete Alonso-1B
3. Michael Conforto-RF
4. Wilson Ramos-C
5. Brandon Nimmo-CF
6. Joe Panik-2B
7. Todd Frazier-3B
8. Luis Guillorme-SS
9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

The pitching match-up is Jacob deGrom (8-8, 2.66 ERA) vs. RHP Max Scherzer (9-5, 2.46 ERA)

Mets vs. Nationals Game 137 Recap

Mets RHP Noah Syndergarrd (Credits to Newsday.com)

The New York Mets defeated the Washington Nationals 7-3 this afternoon and improved their record to 70-67. In the top of the second inning, LF J.D. Davis led off with a walk and Brandon Nimmo followed with a walked. SS Amed Rosario lined out, but 2B Joe Panik came through with an RBI double scoring Davis. Catcher Rene Rivera followed that up with an RBI double of his own which scored Nimmo. In the top of the fourth inning, Rivera walked with one out and two batters LF Jeff McNeil came out of his slump with a two-run homer. 1B Pete Alonso and RF Michael Conforto then both and Davis broke the game open with a two-run double. Nimmo came up next and also hit a RBI double.

RHP Noah Syndergarrd had  a dominating performance with seven scoreless innings allowing three hits and no walks with 10 strikeouts. Syndergarrd was in complete command all afternoon with a nasty slider, curveball, and change-up as well as a blazing fastball at 98-99 mph. He looked like he did in 2016 and worked well with catcher Rene Rivera. If he pitches this well of the year, they will be tough to beat in the playoffs. RHP Tyler Bashlor came in next and threw a scoreless bottom of the eighth inning, but stayed in for a second inning, and gave up a three-run homer to 2B Anthony Rendon in the bottom of the ninth. RHP Edwin Diaz had to come in and struck out 1B Matt Adams for the last out of the game.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at the Nationals at 7:05 p.m.