The New York Mets beat the San Diego Padres tonight on a much-needed strong start from Matt Harvey and two Michael Conforto HRs.
- Final Score: Mets 9 (19-24), Padres 3 (16-31)
- W: Matt Harvey (3-3)
- L: Jhoulys Chacin (4-4)
- NL, Final, Box Score
- Citi Field, Queens, New York
Hey Mikey, You’re So Fine
The obvious story on the night is one New York Mets fans are getting more and more accustomed to seeing — Michael Conforto leading the team to yet another offensively explosive game.Tonight featured two solo shots from Conforto — one being a leadoff in the first — bringing him to three hits, including a two-run single.
This performance puts Conforto’s numbers on the year at 13 home runs and 30 RBIs, along with a .333 average and 1.138 OPS — all levels that put him near the top of the majors in most offensive categories.
His continued impressive performances every day has to have fans wondering why Mets manager Terry Collins is still batting Conforto in the leadoff spot, especially with the impending return of Yoenis Cespedes — a situation that could benefit and protect both players should they bat near each other in the lineup.
The Dark Knight Reappears
After a five-game stretch where he gave up three runs or more each time out, Matt Harvey finally answered the Gotham Bat-Call tonight. The Dark Knight tossed five innings of two-run ball, allowing three hits and four walks while striking out six.
The lone dark spot for Harvey came on his inability to consistently throw strikes against a rather weak lineup sported by the San Diego Padres. The right-hander threw a grand total of 103 pitches on the evening, converting just 60 of them for strikes.
But those issues aside, Harvey finally had a respectable, albeit rather short, start that most Mets fans will be happy to see.
What Else To Know From Tonight
Lucas Duda had a solid night out of the seven spot, going 3-for-4 with a run scored and three RBIs — a welcome sign for those who were growing impatient with the first baseman following his recent return from the disabled list.
Jay Bruce was forced out of action tonight mid-game, after the southpaw reportedly began experiencing back tightness. Prior to his departure, Bruce had compiled a hit and a run scored out of the three hole.
Josh Smoker, freshly called up from Triple-A, allowed a home run to Padres third baseman Ryan Schimpf on the first pitch he threw in Queens. But his struggle doesn’t exemplify how the Mets backed up Harvey and the lineup, as Paul Sewald, Jerry Blevins and Fernando Salas all combined for thee scoreless innings, including five strikeouts and just three hits allowed.
Up Next for the Mets
The Mets will again take on the Padres tomorrow night at 7:10 p.m. at Citi Field, with struggling starter Robert Gsellman and former Miami Marlins prospect Jarred Cosart scheduled to face off.