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Meet the Mets
The Mets began a crucial three-game set against the Washington Nationals last night at Citi Field. The series could not have gotten off to a better start, as the Mets pulled off a thrilling three-run comeback in the ninth inning culminating with a walk-off single off the bat of Michael Conforto to win 7-6 and increase their winning streak to seven games. The two wild card contenders will be back at it tonight with Noah Syndergaard facing off against Patrick Corbin.
Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short and long, Bergen Record, Daily News, Faith and Fear in Flushing, MLB.com, Newsday, Post, Times
Before yesterday’s game, the Mets sought to fill the second base hole that Robinson’s Cano injury left them with by signing New York native Joe Panik. Adeiny Hechavarria was designated for assignment to make room for Panik, who made his debut with the organization last night and went 1 for 4, with his one hit coming in that exciting ninth inning.
Panik is the second addition the Mets have made in recent days, as the team also signed righty reliever Brad Brach. The New Jersey native, who also made his debut on the roster last night (though he did not appear in the game), discussed his feelings on joining the organization and potentially contributing to the team’s postseason run.
The Mets did discuss bringing back Asdrubal Cabrera after he was released by the Rangers, but he turned them down after recalling the team’s lack of interest in a reunion this past offseason.
Marcus Stroman made his home debut with the Mets, and his enthusiasm was infectious.
Amed Rosario continued his excellent play both at the plate and in the field last night.
Everything seems to be going the right way for the Mets right now.
One person who was particularly elated about last night’s comeback was Pete Alonso, who tore off Michael Conforto’s jersey in his excitement.
Robinson Cano is hoping to play again this season, but there is no timetable for his return.
Around the National League East
Sean Doolittle blew the save and took the loss for the Nationals last night, and it continued a season in which the dominant reliever has struggled mightily against the Mets.
The Braves beat the Marlins 8-4 thanks to a strong start by Julio Teheran and homers by Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuña, Jr.
Thanks to a four-run seventh inning, the Phillies defeated the Giants 9-6 to remain even with the Mets in the wild card race. The team did learn that it would be without former Met Jay Bruce for a while, even though he’d just returned from an IL stint for an entirely different injury.
Around Major League Baseball
Eric Thames hit a walk-off home run to lift the Brewers past the Rangers and keep them ahead of the teams chasing them in the wild card race (including the Mets).
The Cardinals beat the Pirates 6-2 to snap a five-game losing streak. They remain statistically tied with the Mets and Phillies in the wild card race.
There was an exciting game last night between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks, and the excitement didn’t end when the game concluded, as tensions flared and the benches cleared after the final out had been recorded.
Brett Gardner got ejected from the game in Toronto last night, and he was not happy about the umpire’s rationale.
Former Mets star Matt Harvey is trying to claw his way back onto a major league roster after getting released by the Angels.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Allison McCague previewed the series against the Nationals, which she understandably called “arguably the Mets’ most important home stand of the season so far.”
Chris McShane reflected on the team’s sudden relevance after spending most of the season mired in mediocrity. He also examined the remarkable power surge that Jeff McNeil has been on in the second half.
Nathan Gismot discussed Amed Rosario’s improvements over the course of this season, which has played a big role in the Mets’ resurgence.
Joe Sokolowski compiled a week of Mets quotes, most of which were uncharacteristically optimistic!
This Date in Mets History
On this date in 2004, Tom Glavine suffered a very Mets-like injury, as he had his top two incisors knocked out when the cab he was riding to Shea Stadium got into an accident. Reports indicated that Glavine was disappointed but not devastated by the mishap.