postGame: Mets 10 Nationals 8
The Mets defeated the Nationals by the score of 10 to 8 in Shea Stadium tonight.
For a recap, boxscore, stats, etc., go to SNY.
Here’s the short of it, the Mets had the lead, the Nationals tied it, the Mets took back the lead, the Nationals tied it, then the Nationals took a lead, and added on, but Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado hit back-to-back home runs in th sixth, after which the bullpen did it’s job and that was that.
The thing I am left thinking about is Delgado. It’s not like he’s just hitting home runs. This guy is teeing off on the ball like it’s slow-pitch softball. His first home run tonight hit the far-left corner of the scoreboard, just off of center field, which is a bomb. His second home run hit the AZEK board in back of the team’s bullpen. It’s crazy. Honestly, I am afraid to let myself be excited about it, for fear that it may soon end. Because, I do not recall ever watching this sort of hot streak before, most all of which occur in such big spots, for such a long time, with such towering power. It’s bordering on hard-to-believe, at this point – and I hope it continues for at least another month…or so.
Also worth noting, I think it’s important that Luis Ayala was able to lock down an easy save on the first game back after the reality of Billy Wagner’s exit; also David Wright had a ‘clutch’ RBI single; and, lastly, for better or worse, Luis Aguayo may be the most aggressive, in-the-moment third base coach I have seen in a long while – seriously, try decaf, Luis.
In the end, unlike so many games from one year ago, the Mets fought back on four occasions tonight to get the lead and win on a night when the Phillies lost.
The Mets conclude their two-game series with the Nationals tomorrow at 7 pm in Shea Stadium, with Odalis Perez (6-10, 4.19 ERA) taking on Mike Pelfrey (13-9, 3.62 ERA).
