Meet the Mets
The Mets won the rubber game 2-1 against the Rockies Sunday afternoon in Denver. Marcus Stroman dazzled on the mound, pitching eight innings and giving up only one run on three hits while striking out five Rockies hitters. He was a Charlie Blackmon RBI away from becoming the first visiting pitcher in history to record two consecutive 7-inning 0-run starts at Coors Field.
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The game ended with James McCann catching Trevor Story attempting to steal second base, which is the kind of play the Mets haven’t gotten from their starting catchers in years.
Michael Conforto recorded four hits on Sunday, sparking suspicion that his season-starting slump shall soon cease.
In his first game back from the IL, J.D. Davis drove in the deciding run in the fourth inning for his first RBI of the season.
The Mets take Monday off before starting a three-game series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Tuesday.
Around the National League East
A day after the Phillies declared Bryce Harper day-to-day, three other divisional opponents lost key players to injury.
The Braves beat the Cubs 13-4 but lost star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. to an abdominal injury in the middle of the game. There is still no word on the severity of his injury.
Former Met Guillermo Heredia hit two home runs, including a grand slam, for a total of 6 RBI for the Braves.
The Marlins lost the series finale 1-0 to the Giants and also lost Starling Marte to an apparent oblique injury in his last plate appearance.
The Nationals lost 5-2 to the Diamondbacks and also put pitcher Stephen Strasburg on the IL retroactive to April 15th.
Aaron Nola pitched his first career complete-game shutout as the Phillies beat the Cardinals 2-0. Bryce Harper also hit a ball very hard and far.
Around Major League Baseball
Former Met Jay Bruce announced his retirement this morning, effective after the game against the Rays on Sunday. The Rays beat the Yankees 4-2 and Bruce didn’t see the field.
With ongoing COVID issues, the Twins’ game against the A’s scheduled for Monday has been postponed.
Injuries bit two other teams, with the White Sox putting pitcher Lance Lynn on the 10-day IL with a strained trap, and the Dodgers announcing infielder Gavin Lux to the IL.
Shane Bieber became the first pitcher since the 19th century to record 10+ strikeouts in his first four appearances. He also set the major league record with 48 strikeouts in his first four starts, though it’s worth noting Jacob deGrom has a shot of matching that when he makes his fourth start on Thursday (he currently has 35 strikeouts through three starts).
The Padres side-stepped a sweep yesterday in San Diego, winning 5-2 in the final matchup of what has so far been the series of the season.
The A’s continued an eight-game winning streak with a 3-2 win over the Tigers.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Lukas addressed the ambivalence Mets fans have expressed over Francisco Lindor’s performance and style.
This Date in Mets History
Happy 61st birthday to Frank Viola!