Mets-Astros Series Review: Going Feeble
The Mets' season is in a tailspin after they were swept by the Houston Astros again, as the Braves continue their surge. While the Braves won a franchise-record 21 games in June, the Mets were mediocre, watching their lead from ten and a half games vanish, with no hope in sight (Editor's Note: The mighty Braves lost to the Bryce Harperless Phillies 14-4 last night).
The nightmare started quickly as the Mets fell behind 4-0 in the first inning as Carlos Carrasco was Danish Cookies again, crumbling after a check swing call against leadoff hitter Jose Altuve did not go his way. The rally ended with a three-run home run by Kyle Tucker. The Astros added a run in the fourth as Carrasco was horrendous again, allowing six runs on six hits in four and one-third innings.
Chasen Shreve came into the game in the fifth and threw gas on the fire as the Astros built a 9-0 lead. The Mets, meanwhile, could not muster much offense against Framber Valdez, who pitched eight scoreless innings. The Mets' only run for the series was due to a bases-loaded walk in the ninth against Enoli Paredes as the Mets continued into a feeble abyss.
Wednesday was a classic pitcher's duel as Taijuan Walker gave the Mets everything he had, shutting down the Astros for seven and one-third innings. Brandon Nimmo had a leadoff double against Justin Verlander while Pete Alonso walked. Jeff McNeil, however, struck out, and the Mets offense never threatened again. The only base runner for the remainder of the game would be an excuse-me swing by Ender Inciarte that resulted in an infield hit 10 feet from home.
After Taijuan Walker went seven and one-third, allowing four hits, Buck Showalter called on Edwin Diaz for the last two outs in the eight. After two runners got on, Diaz struck out Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman to get it to the ninth inning with no score. After a long delay due to Alvarez colliding with Jeremy Pena, the Mets called on Drew Smith for the ninth, and he failed, giving up a home run to light-hitting Juan Castro, as the Astros won 2-0 to complete the sweep, exposing the Mets weaknesses and proving that hope is dying again.