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The Mets can’t stop winning
Sunday’s Say Hey includes the Mets’ ridiculous winning streak, the best and worst of the Astros’ lineup and the funky postgame apparel of one Nick Castellanos.
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
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With their eighth consecutive win Saturday, the Mets are sitting four games away from breaking a franchise winning streak of 11 games. The Giants were the latest in a long line of casualties, leaving both Jake Peavy and Matt Cain to flounder in back-to-back losses despite a spirited five-run effort from their lineup against right-hander Jacob deGrom. In just two games, the Mets outscored their opponents 19-6, thanks, in large part, to a 12-run inning that set a new precedent for future Mets’ lineups. Not only did the Amazin’ Mets win their last eight games, but they’ve also taken 11 of their last 12 contests and clinched five series in a row. Small sample sizes and temporary hot streaks notwithstanding, it’s a reassuring start for the World Series contenders as they push their way to the top of the National League East.
Despite a record-breaking 13-run tear on Friday, the Mets are doing more than just ramping up their run production. They've exhibited an ability to strengthen their roster at every position, from second baseman Neil Walker's .625 slugging percentage to a league-best 2.35 bullpen FIP. Left-hander Steven Matz limited batters to two runs in his last 19 1/3 innings pitched, while deGrom proved that he could pitch out of a jam during his third win of the season. Michael Conforto is still destroying righties with his .387 average, and fell a triple short of the cycle in Saturday's nailbiter. Even Yoenis Cespedes tossed in a grand slam after sustaining a leg injury for several days.
While there's always room for improvement, and the pint-sized statistics we love to tout in April still haven't begun to stabilize, the Mets appear to be pacing themselves for another appearance in October. On Sunday, they will attempt to polish off their fifth straight series win against San Francisco ace Madison Bumgarner. Noah Syndergaard, he of the 0.77 FIP and Saturday's stoic, if remarkably accurate garden gnome giveaway, will get another chance to catch David Price for the league-best K/9, though topping his own 12-strikeout performance and 12.8 strikeout rate might prove challenging. Even if Syndergaard's performance skews toward league average, however, another win could cement the Mets at the top of the NL East. No matter how you slice it, it's a good time to be a Mets fan.
- Either Ken Giles is suddenly a very poor relief pitcher or he’s the most unlucky relief pitcher in the American League. Chris Perry thinks it’s the latter.
- Michael Fulmer showcased a dynamic pitch arsenal during his MLB debut on Friday. Whether or not he’ll turn into the next Justin Verlander remains to be seen, but he’s off to a good start.
- The Cubs might not shatter the 2001 Mariners’ 116-win record, but they stand a chance of surpassing some other notable feats.
- Which of the Yankees’ least valuable starters are seeing natural regression in their numbers, and which will need to work hard to turn their season around?
- It is the best and worst of times for Astros’ hitters.
- John Stanton ascended to the top of the Mariners organization on Thursday after Howard Lincoln stepped down as CEO. Here are some things you should know about him.
- Why are the Cardinals suddenly seeing an uptick in home runs?
- Shortstop prospect Ozhaino Albies could be ready for a major league role much sooner than expected.
- Nick Castellanos wears a rubber ducky tank top. You, too, can wear a rubber ducky tank top like Nick Castellanos.
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