Edwin Diaz The Mets TV broadcast of the ninth inning game doesn’t even air a commercial because he is such an impressive, lights-out closer, it won’t even show him as a commercial break. Instead, the camera follows him as he enters the field through the bullpen gate and heads to the pitcher’s mound, the stadium loudspeakers blaring Blasterjaxx & Timmy Trumpet’s “Narco,” the best entrance song in the majors.
The crowd starts clapping and dancing once the trumpets begin to play. It is almost as if they are celebrating the impending victory. This usually happens after a few minutes, and as often as possible with Diaz striking out.
This was also the case at Citi Field on Sunday. After Jacob deGrom‘s triumphant return in his first home start in 13 monthsDiaz, who was 5-2 ahead of the Braves in the Mets’ inning, entered the game with the Braves and quickly became the heartbeat of the Atlanta lineup. Dansby Swanson, Matt Olson Austin Riley On 14 pitches, the crowd went wild as Riley fell on three pitches and looked at a fastball of 101 mph for the final strike.
Yes, it is fun when your closer is great, it can be fun when you’re winning and especially if you are the Mets who just beat five of the Braves in one of the most important series so far in the majors. While the Mets were playing in the shadows their New York neighbors for most of the game, the Yankees were on pace to surpass the single-season mark for wins. The Mets have proven that they are not only the best team, but the NL East’s best — maybe even the best in New York — with deGrom back.
With the Cardinals winning a series against the Yankees the Mets are now at 70-39. The Yankees? 70-39.
Not only was this a chance for them to prove that they will not collapse as often in the past, but it was also important. On July 23, the Braves had been 10.5 games behind the Mets at the beginning June. At the start this series, they were 3.5 games back. They are now 6.5 games behind the Mets team, which hit better, fielded more, managed better, and had deGrom pitching in peak form.
In his second season of play, deGrom struck out 12 batters and retired 17 batters. The Braves were unable to contact any of the first 18 sliders deGrom offered them, failing even to make contact. Michael Harris II Two sliders were thrown out in the sixth. This was the longest consecutive swings and misses against one pitch in a game since 2008. The Braves lost the game.
Buck Showalter took deGrom to the stands after 76 pitches. Ehire Adrianza He gave up a two run home run to Dansby Swinson but it was an impressive performance and a sign of what the returning ace has in store for him down the stretch. DeGrom stated that he felt good throughout the day. “I wasn’t able execute a couple of pitches when it was necessary, but I felt like there was more to go. It’s simply being smart about it now. I hope the next one will be able to stay out longer.
At Sunday’s conclusion, the Mets pitchers had 19 strikes in total, which tied the franchise mark for a nine-inning game. The previous instances were by Tom Seaver and David Cone.
“I feel bad for anyone who has to face him,” Mets centerfielder Brandon Nimmo Postgame. He’s throwing 101,102, and 95-mph sliders, and he’s finding everything. We are grateful to him for his health and willingness to help us. We feel confident about him moving forward.
The key reason the Mets won’t… do what they so often do which is fumble and stumble their way to first place or a playoff spot is deGrom’s return to health. They did it last season when they held a five-game lead at July’s end, and then went 21-37 in the final two months.
His 33 last starts are about what you would expect of a No. Over his last 33 starts — about what you would expect from a No. 1 starter — deGrom is 14-4, with a 1.49 ERA and 303 strikeouts in 198.2 inning, and a shocking 0.68 WHIP. Although we had to go back to September 9, 2019, in order to reach 33 starts, deGrom’s two first starts back indicate that this is still classic deGrom. He’s not the co-ace. Max Scherzer This season’s record is 8-2, with a 1.98 ERA (120 strikeouts) in 95.2 innings. The second game of Saturday’s doubleheader saw a tired bullpen requiring innings from the starter. Scherzer pitched seven scoreless innings and had 11 strikeouts. He was so pumped up about his performance, he spent the next inning wandering the Mets dugout talking with his rotation mates, and presumably telling them, “That’s how it’s done.”
Buck Showalter is another key reason the Mets are different. He gave a masterclass on managing the series. Witness:
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With the Braves in the eighth inning, and the Mets up 6-4 at the time, Diaz was called upon to save the game. This was the third time that Diaz pitched two innings in his Mets career and his first save of two innings. Showalter stated that this was the best time to change your management and thinking. He was not going to let the first game go.
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The Braves won as the second game. Taijuan Walker The Mets were able to make it interesting in the middle innings, despite being shelled. Lefty relief was brought in by the Braves Dylan Lee Showalter countered in the fifth with a pinch-hitter Darin Ruf, who scored twice in just two runs. Eduardo Escobar The Mets nearly rallied after a 8-0 deficit. A pinch-hitter scored another run. One point was made. Showalter will have the bats on the bench in case Brian Snitker makes an error.
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In Saturday’s first doubleheader, the Braves came back in the ninth against the bullpen to make it 8-3 with two runners on. Showalter didn’t let the game slip away and called Diaz for the final outs.
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In the eighth inning, the pinch-hitter scored 4-1. Tyler Naquin One-on-one instruction to drive in an event, followed by a brief explanation. Tomas Nido Another was added. This gave the Mets some breathing space in the ninth. They didn’t have to use any of their top 3 relievers (Diaz. Adam Ottavino Seth Lugo), all of whom had pitched in the first game.
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On Sunday, he was with the hothand, letting go of the much-maligned Joely Rodriguez Rodriguez relieved deGrom by pitching 2.1 innings without scoring — this was Rodriguez’s longest outing in the season. Rodriguez currently has an ERA greater than 5.00.
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Showalter could even use Diaz three times in four days. Yes. These were large games.
Nimmo stated that it was a huge event. “Five games in four day against a great and formidable team is no easy task. The Braves are a great, great team. But, we managed to win four out five games and that puts us in a very good spot.”
In years past, the Mets were in a strong position but let it slip. But these teams didn’t have the deGrom/Scherzer 1-2 punch and the depth that this team has. Diaz was not a relief pitcher. He’s averaged a Little League-esque 18.9 strikes per inning and has fanned 52.9%. He’s currently on a streak of 18 consecutive scoreless appearances where he’s fanned 38 hitters and only one walk.
Let the music play. The Mets are the real deal.