Are the 2019 Mets a team of destiny?
For anyone trying to make that case, Exhibit A would be the stunning events at Citi Field on Friday, when the Mets rallied for four runs in the ninth inning to shock the Nationals, 7-6.
Trailing by three runs entering the bottom of the ninth, Todd Frazier launched a towering, three-run homer just inside the left-field foul pole off Nationals closer Sean Doolittle to tie the game.
That’s 2020 Phillies Opening Day 3B Todd Frazier to you, thank you https://t.co/KhXGRatmQf
— The Good Phight (@TheGoodPhight) August 10, 2019
After a couple of Mets reached base, Michael Conforto hit a two-out, line-drive single off Doolittle for the walk-off hit.
Ya gotta believe! #Walkoff pic.twitter.com/oW1s0B81QM
— MLB (@MLB) August 10, 2019
The 7-6 stunner is New York's seventh straight victory, and its 14th win in 15 games. The Mets (60-56) are tied with the Brewers and Cardinals for the second wild-card spot.
Their surge is a development no one saw coming a couple of months ago, even a couple of weeks ago. Back in June, all the drama was surrounding manager Mickey Callaway's perch on the hot seat with a coaching change appearing imminent, if not by midseason, certainly after the season. Throughout July, drama swirled around which pitcher(s) the Mets would unload at the trade deadline (Noah Syndergaard? Zach Wheeler?)
In the end, the Mets front office decided to hold on to their talent, a wise decision in hindsight. The only drama surrounding the club now is their ridiculously good on-field exploits the past couple of weeks … and it doesn't get much better than the four-run rally in the ninth inning Friday night.
Studs of the night
Slugger J.D. Martinez had a huge game with two home runs and four runs, hits and RBis in Boston's 16-4 win over the Angels.
Ronald Acuña Jr. hit two home runs and had three hits and four RBIs in Atlanta's win over the Marlins.
Athletics right-hander Mike Fiers stymied the White Sox, striking out eight and allowing three hits in seven scoreless innings in a 7-0 victory.
Dud of the night
As noted earlier, Nationals closer Sean Doolittle gave up four runs in the ninth inning for the blown save and loss against the Mets.
Highlights
Eric Thames wins it for the Brewers with this mammoth upper-deck shot.
ERIC THAMES WALKS IT OFF#ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/hxFaCh1Bfu
— FOX Sports Wisconsin (@fswisconsin) August 10, 2019
Fernando Tatis Jr. makes a play that few other shortstops could make. Gotta love the reverse spin that leaves him perfectly lined up for the throw to first.
.@tatis_jr just makes it look so easy. pic.twitter.com/0Gh4SIyWHy
— MLB (@MLB) August 10, 2019
Whit Merrifield's last two home runs have been inside-the-park jobs.
What better way to start the game than with a leadoff inside-the-park home run by Whit Merrifield 🏃
— SI MLB (@si_mlb) August 9, 2019
(via @MLB) pic.twitter.com/g4lOq4IIRj
What’s next
Indians (70-46) at Twins (70-46), 7:10 p.m. ET — Cleveland's 6-2 win over Minnesota on Friday night left the two teams tied atop the American League Central — hard to believe given the Indians trailed by 11 1/2 games in early June. The Twins' Jake Odorizzi, who has given up two earned runs in 11 1/3 innings against the Indians this year, faces right-hander Adam Plutko, who has pitched better (1.15 WHIP) than his ERA (4.55) would indicate.