Mets Morning News: Mets victorious at Little League Classic

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In one of the better ideas that MLB has come up with, the Mets and Phillies played in front a a stadium full of little leaguers in the Little League Classic. In a fun atmosphere, the Mets jumped over starter Nick Pivetta early. Amed Rosario and Jeff McNeil both had big days at the top of the lineup and Dominic Smith also had a RBI double late to extend the Mets’ lead. Jason Vargas looked great on the mound and the Mets walked away with a good victory in Williamsport.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short and long, MLB.com, Newsday, Post

It was certainly a busy day for both the Mets and Phillies but they all seemed to enjoy the experience of meeting the kids from the Little League World Series.

Here are some more moments just because the whole day seemed awesome for everyone involved.

The return to Williamsport was especially meaningful for both Todd Frazier and Michael Conforto who had fond memories of their time playing there as youngsters.

Jose Bautista got to meet Little Leaguer Big Al and he invited him to Citi Field to take batting practice.

Big Al isn’t the only one heading to Citi Field. Mickey Callaway invited the entire team from Staten Island to visit Citi and take batting practice as well.

The little leaguers got a surprise when the starting pitching staff decided to sit with them in the stands for a couple of innings during the game.

Bullpen coach Ricky Bones got to meet the Little League team from Puerto Rico and will be rooting for team especially after what the country went through after Hurricane Maria.

For the game the Mets were allowed to call up an extra man so Dominic Smith re-joined the club. This has been a tough year for Smith who would’ve liked an opportunity to prove what he can do at the big league level.

David Wright continued his rehab and picked up his first two hits at the plate for St. Lucie.

Marysol Castro has become one of the voices of the Mets back home at Citi, and despite the tough season she is enjoying her time as the new PA announcer.

Around the National League East

The Braves were swept by the Rockies at home.

The Marlins won by their largest margin of the season when they defeated the Nationals 12-1.

Nick Pivetta struggled on the mound for the Phillies and they are now 5-9 against the Mets this season.

Gio Gonzalez got hammered in the Nationals’ loss to the Marlins as they dropped two out of three to Miami.

Around Major League Baseball

The White Sox will call up pitching prospect Michael Kopech to make his debut against the Twins.

Yu Darvish attempted a rehab start but exited after completing just one inning and will be sent for a MRI.

Didi Gregorius was forced from the game early after a collision at first with Kendrys Morales in the first inning of the Yankees game.

It was a battle for first place but Justin Verlander and the Astros came out on top against the Athletics.

There is some excellent news out of Cleveland. Outfielder Leonys Martin has been released from the hospital after battling a life-threatening infection.

This Date in Mets History

Dwight Gooden achieved a bit of history on this date in 1985. After striking out 16 batters in a game, he became the first National League pitcher to strike out 200 batters in his first two seasons in the majors.