The New York Mets’ offensive outburst in Friday night’s win over the Atlanta Braves helped Matt Harvey snap his three-game losing streak.
By David Hong
It wasn’t a great outing once again but New York Mets starter Matt Harvey finally gets his first win in 2016 after starting the season 0-3 uncharacteristically.
Harvey only lasted five innings, giving up two runs, seven hits, and five strikeouts.
Perhaps knowing that the sixth inning became Harvey’s most troublesome inning this season, manager Terry Collins lifted the Dark Knight for pinch-hitter Eric Campbell in the sixth inning.
It didn’t affect matters as the Mets bullpen held on for a 6-3 lead over the Atlanta Braves and gave Harvey his first victory of the 2016 season.
Once again, the Mets struck with the long ball. This time, it was leadoff hitter Curtis Granderson doing the honors. Grandy got the Mets on the board with a grand slam in the second inning and then a solo shot in the fourth inning to give the Mets a 5-0 lead. Both homers came off Braves starter, Bud Norris.
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Yoenis Cespedes had another productive night, making a huge throw from the outfield nailing Nick Markakis at home in the fifth inning and also gave the Mets an insurance run with a double that nearly became another home run for Cespedes. There was a little concern as he slid towards second base, perhaps maybe tweaking his knee. But “La Potencia” stayed in the game.
It was great that Harvey finally got a W but it didn’t completely settle his concerns about him. Harvey struggled in the second inning, giving up a couple of runs.
He still gave up seven hits overall but did strike out five in five innings which was a little more encouraging especially since Harvey has not done well in the strikeout department. Getting a win, at last, could perhaps boost his confidence.
It was definitely a great sign for the Mets that Granderson had a huge night, especially power wise. He was the team’s MVP last year among the position players.
Granderson getting off to a slow start really affected the offense but he has picked it up as of late, hitting four home runs in his last six games. The ability for the Grandy man to get on base is huge for the Mets because he’s their leadoff hitter.
Finally, the Mets hitting the long balls once again is a great sign and a huge reason why they’ve been playing well lately.
It would definitely be better if they score in other different ways especially when they face better pitching, but as long as they face bad teams, hitting the home run ball is always huge, especially since the Mets lineup is built mainly on power.
