Mets Update: They Are Still Alive

Alonso with this playoff pumpkin. After the Mets went down 3-1 in a best-of-7, it looked like they might have been ready to turn into one.

Nope. Peterson gave a gutsy 3.2 (he has been used repeatedly in relief), the Mets scored in bunches after getting a second shot at the Game One Dodgers started, and tacked on enough to win comfortably enough 12-6. This included a key out with the bases loaded, a reliever going further than he ever did, and the Mets closer yet again (when he rarely did in the past) pitching more than one inning (two yesterday).

This season started off looking like a middling one with short-term pieces and the major goal being giving minor leaguers and other youngsters time to grow. They fell into a hole and then mid-summer looked like they fell into a (smaller) hole. They beat the odds.

They have a tough test now (#6 seed vs. #1), the Dodgers having fewer flaws than the other playoff competition. The Mets bats coming alive in two games and the need for bullpen games shows that even the Dodgers have limitations.  

The Mets' pitching is being taxed, the Dodgers' bats are tough (the Yanks also have shown this recently and are one game from the World Series). The Mets' bats (and sometimes fielding) have been absent at key times in this series. This has led to online carping. 

Mets Twitter can be funny. The Mets have managed to beat expectations and are two games away from the World Series. OTOH, you would think from various comments that they stink. It's best to look at the whole picture. For instance, Phil Maton's playoff stats are not as bad as single outings make them appear. 

This team feels like it is playing beyond expectations especially some of the pitching. Nimmo's foot is hurt. Otherwise, the team does have a good line-up, especially with a new young star (Vientos) shining. 

I find watching the games stressful. Besides, watching Mets baseball when the usual announcers are not available loses a lot in my book. The announcers are for me an essential part of the whole process. It is nice the team is getting past stars, like Matt Harvey and Cespedes involved, throwing first pitches, etc.  

The Mets started the Dodgers series (after winning three of four vs. the Phils) well, splitting the two in L.A. The goal then was winning the Citifield series. Then, it was not to be eliminated.  They managed the last part, winning the final game. 

It's hard to be too disappointed when the Mets got this far. Multiple times, I hoped the Mets would get to a Game 6 (including in the 2015 World Series). They are now. The Mets beat the Dodgers bullpen game last time and that is what is due to happen Sunday.

OTOH, the Mets will likely have to get something from one or more questionable relievers. Maton will surely have some key outs. Fingernails, watch out. 

One more thing: I figure that with the bullpen taxed and the starters regularly thinking five is a lot Senga will have one more shot. He did okay as the opener in a Phils game. He walked the ballpark versus the Dodgers. Might be the best shot for an inning or two sometime in Game 6 or 7. We shall see.  

We shall see. It is not like the NY/NJ Jets and Giants provide much excitement these days. I commend those who are fans of other local sports. I am not.