Over From Jump

This was simply one of the 54 games in a schedule that every major league team wins. You’re going to win 54 and lose 54, and it’s the other 54 games that will decide your fate. But it was fate that decided this one very early. After a Lucas Duda sacrifice fly in the first inning, Neil Walker walked and then Asdrubal Cabrera hit one to first base. Now it’s very rare that Freddie F. Freeman does something that turns the tide against his own team while helping out the Flushing nine. But the ball went under his glove for an error and the second run of the game. Freddie Freeman tried to undo his damage with two hits and a ribbie later in the game, but when Freeman makes a mistake against the Mets, it’s in their best interest to pounce because it doesn’t happen very often. Pounce they did.

Steven Matz had an interesting night. Six and 1/3’s with eight K’s and zero walks, but also gave up nine hits. So he wasn’t dominant. But he’s making them earn the base paths and staying around the plate. Thank goodness he isn’t one of those intimidated rookies who is scared to pitch to anybody and infuriating his fielders, pitching coaches, and paying customers with walk after walk after walk. Having pitchers who have the kind of stuff that allows them to challenge hitters is a blessing. (Hashtag “blessed”.) Would a better team have hit him harder? Perhaps. But that’s a question for when he faces the Giants.

David Wright’s arm might evoke memories of Ronald and Ruby these days, but his glove and bat can still dial it up to Master of Puppets level every once in a while. And while he struck out three times, his two run double in the fourth cemented the status of Saturday’s game as comfortable. The bullpen took the one glimmer of hope the Braves had late and snuffed it out when Hansel Robles struck out Freeman on nasty cheese with a runner on. Addison Reed only gave up a hit in the eighth, and then back to back dingers by Walker and Cabrera gave Jeurys Familia the night off as the Mets cruised to an 8-2 victory. To go for the series sweep, we welcome back Jacob deGrom whose family situation is thankfully back in order.

Today’s Hate List

1. Adonis Garcia
2. Daniel Castro
3. Nick Markakis
4. Bryan Rust
5. Conor Sheary