Dateline: Friday April 30th of 2010. Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Significance? The New York Mets biggest win of the young 2010 season. Not only was last night’s steamroll victory the Mets 8th win in a row – their longest win streak since they won 10 straight back in 2008 – and not only did last night’s win give the Mets their biggest lead in the NL East at 1 1/2 games, but it was a game where the Mets showed off practically all of their strengths, against the team that was supposed to be the one who ran over the National League all season long.
The offense was alive and kicking last night, as the Mets slammed 4 home runs to go along with 4 additional extra base hits, all culminating in 9 dominating runs which proved to be way more than the Phillies were able to handle. The defense was stellar as well, as Jason Bay and Jeff Francoeur both showed off their skills with the glove, and Francoeur furthered his defensive swagger, as he made strong throw after strong throw before exiting due to minor aggravations caused by slamming his knee into the rightfield fence and taking a hit by pitch on the forearm.
And how about the pitching? The main reason for the Mets remarkable turnaround over the last week and change was at it again last night, as Jon Niese picked up his first victory of the season tossing 7 beautiful innings of 1-run ball, allowing only 4 hits and 1 walk. He and the rest of the Mets starting five have really outdone themselves thus far in 2010, and as a result the Mets find themselves looking down on the other 4 teams in the NL East.
But last night, I think the thing that impressed me the most during last night’s blowout win, was when the Mets retaliated after Jeff Francoeur’s plunking. Jenrry Mejia rightfully drilled Chase Utley, a notorious "crowding the plate" offender. This was good for a couple of reasons. One, it showed great camaraderie, Mets sticking up for other Mets. It showed that the team genuinely cares for one another, and that the good chemistry vibe is certainly present with this team. And secondly, it showed that the Mets have no fear. The Phillies over the past 3 seasons have been somewhat of a bully to the Mets, causing them heartache and angst at every available opportunity. It may have been just a hit by pitch, but to me, it showed that the Mets have the confidence to stand up to Philadelphia, and that’s something that can’t be taught. That comes from within, and after last night’s win, it’s clear that the Mets have that necessary confidence.
And as for the remaining 2 games in this series, I don’t believe that it’s inconceivable at all that the Mets sweep this series. We’ve already locked Game 1 up, and we’ve certainly got the Game 3 advantage pitching-wise, with Johan Santana going against Jamie Moyer. Likely the closest and most entertaining game in the series will be today in Game 2, when the Mets get their first taste of Roy Halladay since he was traded to the Phillies. And to his credit he’s been good, but our starter has been better! Mike Pelfrey, undefeated with an ERA below 1. Couldn’t ask for a better matchup, today’s game is going to be a goodie! And if in fact the Mets do sweep Philadelphia this weekend, the rest of the league better look out. The confidence level will be even higher then it is now, and I’m not sure anybody in baseball will be able to do anything to curb it. Go get em boys. Always and forever, Let’s Go Mets!
