LA, CALIFORNIA – After the 9-0 drubbing in Game 1, even the most sanguine fan must have wondered if the Mets had run out of magic. The game featured a whopping three hits by the Mets, and a brutal base-running blunder by Jesse Winker. But the indefatigable squad fought back with a 7 to 3 victory in Game 2. This team is at its best with their backs firmly against the wall. A few thoughts from Game 2.
FranfreakinCisco LinGodDamnDor
With the Dodgers coming into the game with a 33-inning scoreless streak, the Mets needed an early spark. They got one in the first AB of the game when Lindor went deep in a memorable AB. Lindor fouled off four straight, including one off his leg, before the big swing. Message sent, the Mets were here to fight. After a Vientos Salami in the second, the Mets were quickly up 6-0.
Other sports should have a version of the Conn Smythe Trophy for the MVP of the playoffs. Lindor’s slow start will likely prevent him from winning the regular season MVP, but he’d be the current favorite for a playoff MVP, if MLB had one. Humongous dinger to get the boys rolling there.
Big Double Play
In the 6th, the Dodgers had cut it to 6-3 and had the bases loaded with only one out. Kiki Hernandez grounded a perfect double play ball to third. But Vientos fumbled it just a bit, causing a sloppy relay and a rushed high throw to first by Iglesias. Both runners were called out, but it looked ugly and the Dodgers challenged, asking the umps to look at the calls at both bases.
Both outs were upheld, and the Mets were out of the inning. To me, this play exemplifies the Mets‘ post season. When it looks like things are about to go sideways, they somehow find a way to pull it together and make the key play.
Edwin Anxiety
The Dodgers put two guys on in both the eighth and ninth, but Edwin Diaz came through with a four out save. The inning doesn’t start for Diaz until two runners are on. Maybe the Mets should have him intentionally walk the first two hitters to cut out the foreplay.
But he got it done and the Mets get the split in LA and head back for three in Queens. They showed up in Game 2 and this one could go the distance. It should be fun. Tuesday morning note: Speaking of fun, the Yankees did their part with a fairly clean 5-2 win over Cleveland in Game 1, behind a strong outing from Rodon. Don’t look now, but we suddenly find ourselves three wins by both teams from a Suprise Subway Ser… Don’t even say it.
Come back tomorrow for Angry Ward.
