Tired of the daily speculation about who is going to sign away the Mets’ free agent stars? Dying of the suspense as you await the Mets’ next move? Today’s post will give you a reason to smile as we’re all waiting for Steve and Billy to make their final offers.
The Mets were coming off a four game split with the Atlanta Braves, and travelled to Philadelphia to begin a road trip. The trip did not get off to a good start as the Phillies jumped all over Taijuan walker for seven runs in the first four innings while not crossing the plate themselves.
Die hard Mets fans remained in their seats while others started heading for the exits, but an infield single by Marte was followed by a 421 foot shot to right center by Francisco Lindor that stopped the exodus dead in its tracks.
Alonso doubled to keep the momentum, and after Escobar was out on a stinging line drive to second, Jeff McNeil singled to right. The Phillies went to their closer Corey Knebel to try to stop the rally, but Mark Canha met him with an infield single off his leg that scored Alonso.
Dom Smith struck out, so the Mets were down 7-4 with only one out left and runners on first and second. This was a great rally, but over the previous 25 years, the Mets had lost all 330 games where they had trailed by 6 or more runs entering the ninth. This looked like number 331.
What did Yogi say about it not being over? JD Davis came in to pinch hit for Tomas Nido and ripped a double down the left field line, scoring McNeil and there stood the tying run on second base with the top of the order coming up. Davis was replaced by the very fast Travis Jankowski, so that tying run seemed even closer.
Brandon Nimmo hit the first pitch into center, scoring both runners and tying the game. Mets fans that had made the trip were jumping out of their seats in ecstasy while their rivals cringed. There was even a rumor that Buck smiled, but I didn’t see it. Now Marte returned to the plate – he was the guy that got this started and now he had a chance to cap it.
It took one pitch, which Marte drilled to the base of the wall in center, scoring Nimmo and finishing an incredible seven run ninth inning rally. Edwin Diaz came in to close it out with a 1-2-3 ninth inning and the Mets had registered the comeback of the year. (Or maybe of the month) I’ll tell you about their August game in Philadelphia in another post.
That was a sweet game, but another game where Dom didn’t help. Hopefully the new guys will do better in 2022 Domville.
ReplyDeleteThis was one of my all time favorite Mets games, posted by me 8 years ago
ReplyDeleteMookie to the Rescue! By Tom Brennan
I've posted memories of several of my favorite old time games over the past several days. Here's another!!
The Mets have been through a tough stretch the past several years, but they were extraordinarily inept from 1977 to 1983 – a combined 207 games below .500. It was shades of 1962-1967 déjà vu.
In the face of ongoing impotence, a game I went to on September 20, 1981 was more of the same – until the very end, that is.
The Cardinals got to Pat Zachary for 5 runs in 2 plus innings and the Mets trailed early 5-0. The Mets on the other hand kept hitting – and hitting – to no avail. In fact, the ineptitude led to no runs on NINE hits through 5 innings.
But the Mets kept hitting…and hitting…and scoring a few. Actually 5 runs. They scored 2 in the 6th, 3 in the 7th to tie.
But to get them to that 5 run total, they used 20 hits through 8 innings. FIVE RUNS AND TWENTY HITS THROUGH 8 INNINGS. ONLY THE METS!
Naturally, the Cards went ahead in the 9th. Being a Met fan in those days, resignation to the inevitable set in.
The Cards brought in the mighty Bruce Sutter. The guy with the 300 career saves. Another agonizing defeat seemed on our doorstep.
With 2 outs, another runner got on via their 21st hit. Painful. (No walks up until until then – I guess “working the pitcher” was not yet fashionable.
Then the Mighty Mookie stepped to the plate - 5 years before “Gets by Buckner.” Fans were on their feet cheering – but I couldn’t help feel this was just one more tease in the making.
Then it happened – long drive to right, into the bullpen and the Mets pulled out an amazing, come-from-behind 7 run, 22 hit victory!! Fans went nuts!! It was only a blip in a dreary stretch, a small oasis in a desert of losses – but was “AMAZIN’”! One of my favorite Met memories, even if no one else remembers it – and a lesson that wonderful things may be right around the corner and keep up the faith.
How about you readers – do you remember this dandy?
Those games kept us afloat during a long and difficult stretch. Thanks for that memory Tom!
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