Livescore
The Mets lost Sunday and their long winning streak ended – though maybe neither would’ve happened if the foul pole down the right-field line were taller, right, Brandon Nimmo? – but there were more kernels planted for a nice October harvest, anyway.
The Mets had won a season-high nine straight before dropping a 3-1 decision to the Reds, but several of the elements that fueled that run were on display at Citi Field. They got strong starting pitching again. Two relievers got big outs. Trouble was, Phil Maton gave up a two-run double in the ninth that snapped a 1-1 tie. It happens.
But if the Mets continue to pitch the way they have over their most-recent 10-game stretch, they’ll make the rest of this NL Wild Card race difficult on the Braves and, perhaps, the Diamondbacks and Padres, too. Since Aug. 29, the Mets have pitched to a 1.78 ERA.
On Sunday, Luis Severino offered evidence that the Mets might have an intriguing postseason rotation, assuming they get in. Severino was roaring against the Reds, reaching back for 98 miles-per-hour when he needed it and slipping in some nifty changeups to righties. He allowed a lone run and five hits in 6.2 innings, striking out eight, walking only two and helping to short-circuit a jam by picking off Santiago Espinal.
“There’s a lot to like there,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said.
Added Nimmo: “I’m really proud of Sevy having an amazing year, a bounce-back year here. (He’s) doing what I think he knows he’s capable of, and what everyone here knew he was capable of.”
Over his last five starts, Severino has a 1.95 ERA. Sean Manaea and David Peterson are rolling, too. Add in a potential return for Kodai Senga, who might be fit enough to clock October starts of three or four innings, and the Mets might be onto something.
“We’ve had a lot of guys that have just been horses out there,” Nimmo said of the rotation. “And they’ve kind of made that seven innings their staple here these last few weeks.”
“I didn’t get through the whole seven innings, but at least I was there for the six-and-two-thirds,” Severino said. “I feel good. I’m going to keep making my pitches.”
Over the last 10 games, the starters have delivered 6.2 innings or better six times, including three outings of seven frames. That, in turn, has helped ease the burden on the Mets bullpen, which had a 1.21 ERA over that same span.
Maton wobbled in the ninth, but, before Maton had come in the game, Reed Garrett was excellent, fanning three of the four batters he faced. Alex Young got the final out of the ninth to keep the Mets within two.
The offense couldn’t get anywhere in the ninth against Alexis Díaz, Edwin’s brother who is also the Reds’ closer. The hitters did little throughout the game, mustering only four hits and going 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position. As Mendoza put it, “We didn’t create much.”
Nimmo hit the most interesting ball all day, a deep drive to right field in the third inning that looked like it might’ve been a home run. It was ruled foul on the field and via a crew chief review. Nimmo said he hit the ball over the foul pole, so it’s difficult for the umpires to judge it. He said it’s the second straight day he’s done so with nothing to show for it.
When someone kiddingly asked if Nimmo would chip in on the cost to make the foul poles longer, he replied, “I would 100 percent chip in.”
That adjustment notwithstanding, the Mets are in a good place right now. They head into a six-game trip to Toronto and Philadelphia tied with the Braves for the final playoff spot. It’s thanks to the way they’ve played – and pitched – recently.
“I’m just really proud of the guys,” Nimmo said. “They’ve come every day, fighting. Our pitching has been unbelievable and we’ve been able to have some really clutch hits.
“Streaks have to come to an end, but we’ve been playing really good baseball and we’re going to try to do that on this road trip. It’s really all been coming together…If we keep doing that, we’re gonna win a lot of games and give ourselves a shot of being in this postseason picture.”
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