Playoffs or Same Old Mets

 

The Mets came into the first of two (7 games) series versus the Phillies, part of a tough final two weeks, up by one. They started with a laugher, the Phils getting three in the 9th after being down 11-0. 

For some reason, Maton, one of the top relievers, pitched the 8th.  This came to mind in Game 2 when a "B" reliever came into a 4-3 game (the Mets scored early and stopped), and eventually (with Garrett's help) blew the lead. 6-4 loss. 

Braves beat Dodgers again so now the two teams were tied for the third wild card. Then, Peterson shut the Phils down for seven. Let's try eight! Nope. Tied game (1-1). Early, Lindor (who didn't play on Saturday) left the game, clearly hurting.  

I checked the score and checked in late but grant I did not watch the game. I am not a masochist. I am not just an "enjoy the team regardless" sort of person. I'm most comfortable when the games don't really matter. Others can give them a participation trophy if they -- yet again -- blow it late. 

Diaz blew the hold on a 0-2 pitch. Home run. Two very winnable games were lost. Not a great start to the two-week series of games versus the Phils, Nats, Braves, and Brewers. Get in or GTFA.

Meanwhile, the Giants lost their game because their kicker (who they knew was hurting) left the game right away and there was no backup. 

The punter tried an XP and missed. The Commanders won on seven field goals, the last one after the Giants didn't go for the field goal. They also repeatedly could not convert two-point conversions. Lost 21-18.

The Giants' kicker situation arguably cost them six points (missed XP, not attempting two tries, not going for a makable FG late).  Simply unforgivable. 

The Jets, meanwhile, did what they had to do. The Titans kept on making mistakes but made it close. They were stopped after making it to 1st and Goal in their final drive. Jets won 24-17.  

Today's game was one of those times the Giants had a real chance of winning. Likewise, the Jets really had to beat the Titans, not a good team, even if it has talent. One team stepped up while the other aimed for another lost year.