Post Game: Nationals 7 Mets 4
The Mets (67–92) lost to the Nationals (55–103) by the score of 7 to 4 in Washington DC today.
The Least You Should Know:
Down two runs to the Mets, the Nationals sent seven hitters to the plate in the ninth inning against Francisco Rodriguez, who walked in one run and then surrender a walk-off, game-winning grand slam to Justin Maxwell.
Tim Redding continued his September success, giving up just one run and four hits in six innings.
The Mets scored an early two runs in the second, thanks to a lead-off walk from Carlos Beltran, followed by a double from Jeff Francoeur, a sac-fly by Fernando Tatis and single from Omir Santos.
The top of the Mets batting order was a combined 0 for 16, while the heart of the order went 7 for 14 with all three RBI.
Misc., Etc., and Other Observations:
This was one of the worst-played defensive games I have seen in a long while, yet, looking at the boxscore, you’d never know it. The most significant error was in the ninth inning, when, with the Mets up two runs and K-Rod on the mound, Wilson Valdez bobbled a lead-off ground ball hit directly at him, double-clutched the throw and the runner was safe… up two runs, in the ninth inning. Naturally, it started a tumultuous inning, during which, with the tying run on third base, SNY’s Keith Hernandez moaned on air, ‘Lord have mercy.’
Rodriguez tossed 40 pitches in the ninth inning, and looked beyond pissed off following the walk-off grand slam. I don’t blame him, though, while I realize Valdez made the initial error, he had five other chances to get two batters out and end the game and he didn’t.
I am concerned about Rodriguez, who has not looked dominant and in command since the middle of July. I don’t know, maybe it’s the lack of pressure-packed situations, or meaningful baseball, but, he doesn’t look right. I mean, dude, what’s with all the breaking pitches?
The Mets are 3–0 in Redding’s last three starts, during which he has a 2.84 ERA… he has a 3.23 ERA in six starts this September.
In total, the Mets made two errors while the Nationals made three.
Pedro Feliciano broke his own franchise record with his 87th appearance of the season… This is impressive, but it also speaks to how the Mets have no other alternative to pitch to left-handed batters.
Frankly, the Mets should be ashamed of themselves for the way they are playing down the stretch, when they should all be looking to prove their worth, including the manager, third baseman and everyone else.
Who Said What on Twitter:
@FakeFredWilpon: Each game worn jersey will come w/ the disclaimer that the Mets are not responsible for any injuries incurred by the wearer.
@SteffieB83: Keith said Fundies :) chug ur beer.
@MetsWFAN: Oh good, the obligatory eighth inning error.
@ChrisCarlinSNY: The errors between these two teams the last few days are bordering on mind-boggling.
@Shoffee_Joe: Kinda makes ya long for the good ole days, when blowing one like that in September really meant something.
@KBurkhardtSNY: There are no more words left to describe this mess.
What’s Next for the Mets:
The Mets are off tomorrow, then return to Citi Field on Friday for their final series of the season, taking on the Astros at 7 pm.
