The Los Angeles Dodgers put away any lingering hopes of the New York Mets making a wild card run with a 6-3 victory on Thursday to complete a four game sweep over New York.
The Mets actually fought against the Dodgers, where this game was somewhat competitive. Starter Steven Matz zig-zagged through six innings of work, giving up three runs on three hits, five walks, and eight strikeouts.
This was the first game all series where a starter wasn’t pounded completely within the first couple of innings. However, allowing the long ball is still a major issue for the Mets, as they allowed three homers tonight.
Dodgers 6, Mets 3
Granderson has been playing his best Baseball of the season the last few weeks, raising his average to .226 on the season. He also continued his power surge from the leadoff spot, smacking a home run in the top of the 1st inning.
In the bottom of the third inning, the Dodgers struck two homers off of Steven Matz. The first was was a solo shot by Justin Turner, while the second was a two-run homer by Kike Hernandez.
This time, the Mets would not quit. Travis D’arnaud hit a solo shot to right in the top of the 4th inning for his eighth of the year. It would remain 3-2 Dodgers, until the 6th inning, where Lucas Duda hit a bouncing double to the wall that brought in the hustling Jay Bruce to tie the game.
The game would not stay tied for long when Joc Pederson homered in the next inning off of reliever Pat Sewald to give LA the 4-3 lead. Then, they would not look back.
Flores struggling
Wilmer Flores was once batting .333 a week ago, but he has been struggling mightily since, going four for his last 40 at the plate. He hits lefties well, but if he plays everyday, he is going to get tired and lose bat speed at the dish. The Mets don’t really have a choice considering how many injuries they have.
Cecchini should start
Gavin Cecchini should start everyday because the Mets need all the young blood and talent possible. He has had a hit in each game he has been in so far, and the Mets have no major downside of seeing how much the kid can produce.
What’s Next
Overall, the Mets are seeing their season fall before their eyes. They are now 10 games under .500, and have lost seven of their last eight against teams they needed to climb. The pitching has been atrocious, and the hitting hasn’t come through lately. It is going to be a long hike up the mountain.
It starts tomorrow night in San Fran, where Seth Lugo will look to end the Mets four game skid, facing off against Ty Blach for the Giants.