The first game of the three game series between the New York Mets and San Diego Padres were supposed to be a battle of youth. The match up everyone wanted to see was Pete Alonso against Chris Paddack, but there were not any fireworks between the two rookies. The Mets ended up winning 5-2.
The Veterans Take the Lead
The 36-year old duo of Jason Vargas and Robinson Cano put on a show last night. Vargas put on a clinic on the mound and kept the young Padres hitters off balanced. He threw six innings, allowing only one run and struck out eight. Vargas had a potent fastball-change up combo and none of his fastball’s were above 85 on the radar gun.
"Throwing really hard isn't as unique as it used to be…I think I'm the only one that throws that slow" – Jason Vargas on working with less velocity in his arsenal pic.twitter.com/C3xfae7JKh
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 24, 2019
Cano had his first career three home run game and drove in all five runs for the Mets. Since the All-Star break, he is 13-38 (.342) and already surpassed his home run total from the first half. Cano also hit his three home runs on three different types of pitches.
Is Their Success For Real?
Both of these guys had strenuous starts to their Mets careers, but it seems both have turned the corner. Vargas definitely has increased his trade value, especially since the starting pitcher market is very thin. Cano is also slowly giving the Mets hope that trading for his contact was not a mistake.
Robinson Cano with his first career 3-HR game ?
(via @Mets)pic.twitter.com/nPYZPpDB61
— ESPN (@espn) July 24, 2019
The Mets still sit seven games out of the second wild card spot, but there are multiple teams within a game of the Mets. If the Mets can sweep the Padres, they will leap them and have a chance to do the same against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Noah Syndergarrd and Jacob deGrom are set to pitch the next two games, this gives the Mets a great opportunity to sweep the series.