Note: It’s the Bullpen, It’s all about the Bullpen
The Mets lost two of three to the Braves this weekend.
In Game 1 on Saturday, Johan Santana handed off a two-run lead to the bullpen, who let up three runs and the Braves won.
On Sunday, Oliver Perez handed off another two-run lead to the bullpen, who let up five runs in the ninth and the Braves won.
As such, the Phillies were able to pick up two games in the standings, and move to within two losses of the Mets for first place in the NL East.
Manuel, on the loss, and September, speaking to reporters following yesterday’s loss to the Braves, said:
“For us, coming down the stretch, at this point, every loss will probably be a reminder of what happened last year. So, what we have to do as a team is get through it.”
As far as I am concerned, it’s all about the bullpen.
The way I see it, the Mets, like most teams, will only go as far as their bullpen allows them.
It’s that simple.
The problem is that, since the news on September 8 that Billy Wagner would miss the rest of the season, the Mets bullpen has a 4.11 ERA in five appearances, during which the Mets are 3–2.
Prior, the team’s bullpen had not been charged with a run in its previous seven appearances, during which the Mets were 5–2.
Again, bullpen, bullpen, bullpen.
