Backed by Jacob deGrom (11-3) and strong offense, the New York Mets had themselves a comfortable lead for the most part, but almost let another masterful start from the deGrominator go to waste.
- New York Mets 7 (42-50)
- St. Louis Cardinals 3 (46-48)
- NL, Final, Box Score
- Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, New York
After dyeing his hair blue before the game, Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes had one of his best games of the season. The top of the first inning saw New York quickly claim three runs.
Cespedes singled in Asdrubal Cabrera. Lucas Duda followed that up by doubling in Cespedes. Wilmer Flores finished things off by singling in Duda.
RBI single for Flo!!! 3-0 #Mets l! pic.twitter.com/PgmoVtPmEK
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 19, 2017
The Mets followed up their first-inning outburst by replicating it in the bottom of the very next inning. Jay Bruce singled in Michael Conforto, Cespedes doubled in Cabrera, and Jose Reyes singled in Bruce and Cespedes.
.@lamelaza_7 plates two more! ✌️
6-0 #Mets | Bot-2 pic.twitter.com/KSF6sLfdVD
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 19, 2017
During the seventh inning, Joe West missed an obvious foul tip strikeout by Luke Voit. Jacob deGrom should have been awarded seven scoreless innings, but ended up allowing Greg Garcia to score on a Voit double.
LUUUUUUKE Voit gets us on the board! #STLCards pic.twitter.com/HmxqDTQCDm
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 20, 2017
Over 6.2 innings, deGrom held his own. Despite allowing seven hits, deGrom let up just one run, walked just one, and struck out three batters. New York’s bullpen took over to finish the final 10 outs, and did a shaky job.
After giving up the double, Paul Sewald came in and struck out Tommy Pham to end the inning.
Despite the momentum going into the 8th, Sewald only lasted 0.2 of the bottom half thanks to a two-run single courtesy of Magneuris Sierra.
Magneuris Sierra brings home a pair!
?8⃣ #Mets 7, #STLCards 3. pic.twitter.com/9wUUYKoKFB
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 20, 2017
Jerry Blevins came into the game, allowed two hits, and the Mets looked to Addison Reed to capture the final four outs.
As per usual, Reed shut the door, allowing just one hit, and striking out two en route to his 16th save of the season.
Cespedes went 2-4 with two runs and two RBI in the win.
The Mets will look for a series split tomorrow afternoon when Seth Lugo (4-2) takes the mound against Lance Lynn (8-6).
