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New York Mets Series Wrap-Up: Young Studs Steven Matz, Michael Conforto Lead The Way

By
Jeremy Fialkow
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The New York Mets were firing on all cylinders Sunday, shutting out the Cleveland Indians 6-0 en route to a their first series victory.

  • New York Mets 6 (5-6)
  • Cleveland Indians 0 (5-5)
  • MLB, Final, Box Score
  • Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH

Now, we celebrate!

The Mets did it. The New York Mets finally did it. They won a series in the year 2016, and did it against a talented Indians team in Cleveland, no less.

However, let’s not overreact. While Sunday was a day of domination for the New York squad, it represents one win in a 162 game marathon.

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Still, Sunday’s game was huge step in the right direction. The Mets put in a complete and flawless effort, both offensively and defensively, from first pitch to last.

Led by 23-year-old prodigy, Michael Conforto, the Mets bats roared, yet again. Hopefully, they’re here to stay.

The Mets pitching performance, behind seven strong from rookie Steven Matz, went above and beyond the call of duty, striking out 15 total in a combined shutout.

Sunday’s game exemplified precisely how New York’s manager Terry Collins envisioned his Mets team: A Juggernaut.

Some thoughts:

Mikey C From The 3:

No matter where you put him, Conforto keeps on delivering.

Batting in the 3-hole for the second time in his career, he had himself of day.

In the first inning, with two men on base and the opportunity to do damage right away, he rocketed a ball thrown belt-high over the plate, sending it to the wall in right field and bringing Curtis Granderson in to score.

The very next inning, Mikey C was at it again. This time, slinging a ball over the bag at first base, good for his second RBI double of the game.

He finished 2-for-3 with two doubles and two ribeyes, his 5th and 6th RBI of the season.

Plain and simple, Conforto has the prettiest swing on a team chalk-full of capable hitters. He’s now batting to a .313 average on the season.

From Mets legend Keith Hernandez to Mets Nation:

“Say hello to your to 3-hitter for the next 15 years.”

Conforto’s impressive day ended in the seventh inning, when he was replaced by Juan Lagares as a defensive substitution.

Keep singing that sweet sweet music, Terry:

SuperMatz:

The 24-year old LHP Matz came in with a mission to sooth fans’ worries about his ugly start against the Miami Marlins, the start that saw his exit before two innings, and after seven earned runs.

Seven innings pitched of three-hit, shutout baseball later: Mission accomplished.

Not to mention, Matz broke his career-high for strikeouts in one contest, finishing with nine.

He looked liked a season veteran on the mound, Sunday, not only striking out Indians with consistency, but also working efficiently through innings.

The Mets top-prospect cruised through his seven frames. After four innings, Matz needed 60 pitches, 40 of which were strikes. Through five, 74 pitches. Through six, 82 pitches. Finally, it all culminated in a 94-pitch gem.

His ERA, before and after Sunday’s start, is proof of the tomfoolery that is worrying about a rookie pitcher after one bad start, his first of the season. Coming in at 37.80, Matz’s ERA now sits at 7.27, dropping by more than 30 points.

This dominant performance was a true godsend for the Mets bullpen, which has been fully exhausted and overused the past week.

His final line: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 9 K

Fun Fact of the Day:

Coming Up:

The Mets continue their road trip and head to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia to take on the Phillies for some divisional baseball.

Probable pitchers for the set of three are: Noah Syndergaard, Logan Verrett, and Bartolo Colon.

In a three game series at Citi Field, Philly stole two games while the Mets offense struggled, which means it’s time for the Mets to shut them down. Don’t be surprised if the Mets bring out the brooms by series’ end.

Thor will be called upon to get it all started Monday night. Game time is at 7:05 pm ET. Catch it on SNY or CSPh.

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Jeremy Fialkow
Jeremy Fialkow was born and raised in Miami, FLA, but currently studies at the University of Maryland. When he's not studying hard, he can be found supporting his sometimes hopeless NY teams: Knicks, Mets, Jets, and Isles. Your sympathy is appreciated.

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