New York Mets: Great Win, But Nothing to Show for It

Jul 8, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) in the 2019 MLB Home Run Derby at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets rode the right arm of their defending Cy Young winner, Jacob deGrom, to a big 8-1 victory to start their series against the Cincinnati Reds. Unfortunately, due to wins from the Nationals and Brewers, the Mets did not gain any ground in the wild card race.

deGrom gave the Mets exactly what they needed from their ace. He threw seven shutout innings with nine strikeouts. The masterful outing lowered his ERA to 2.51 and continues to make a case for why he deserves to the Cy Young winner again. Mickey Callaway was enticed by the idea of throwing deGrom for the eighth, but a five run lead made it easy for him to turn the game over to the bullpen.

Run(s) Support?

This was a game filled with storylines and it was led by Pete Alonso’s 50th home run of the season. It gave the Mets a five run lead and he became the first Met to ever hit 50 home runs a season. Alonso now needs three home runs over the last nine games to pass Aaron Judge for the MLB rookie home run record.

Jeff McNeil and Amed Rosario put out homers to provide the all the run support deGrom needed. McNeil ended up finishing the game a triple short of the cycle. Michael Conforto also broke out of his slump with a hit and two walks.

Diaz Big Out

Edwin Diaz had gone eight days without pitching, but Mickey Callaway turned to him in a big spot. He entered the game with 5-0 lead with runners on second and third and Eugenio Suarez at the plate. Diaz struck him out with a 99mph hour fastball to end the inning. At this point in the season, Diaz will take any positive he can get.

Unfortunately, the win just kept the Mets in place. With nine games to go, they need luck on their side to make up three and a half games. At this point they will need to win out and hope for a miracle.