After an embarrassing series loss in Washington, the Mets bounced back with a convincing 12-7 win to open the series against the Braves. They scored 12 runs on 21 hits and when Hayden Senger of all people opens the scoring it is a promising sign that the offense will enjoy a good day at the plate. In fact, the entire bottom of the lineup, Senger included, contributed in a big way to the win.
The combination of Brett Baty, Tyrone Taylor, Cedric Mullins, and Hayden Senger went a combined 12-for-20 with
six RBIs which is an encouraging sign for a team fighting for its playoff life right now. If the Mets are going to turn this thing around they will need more from the bottom of the lineup that for too long has been nothing but a black hole for offense.
While the bottom of the lineup certainly deserves their flowers, the top of the lineup pulled their weight as well. Juan Soto went 3-for-4 with a home run, 4 RBIs, and two walks and Francisco Lindor went 3-for-5 with two runs, a stolen base, and a walk. The Lindor and Soto duo at the top of the lineup is certainly fun to watch when they are making things happen both with their bat and on the basepaths.
While the Met offense has looked much better recently its been their pitching that has cost them ballgames but again it was left to a rookie to stop the bleeding. Nolan McLean was outstanding once again holding the Braves to two runs in seven innings. He struck out seven and did not walk any Atlanta batters. He got into some trouble in the third but limited the damage to one run and got a strike-‘em-out, throw-‘em-out double play to end the threat. He also gave up a home run to Ronald Acuña Jr. to lead off the fourth inning but the Mets held a comfortable 7-2 lead at the time and McLean never fully waivered. He is the first pitcher not named David Peterson to finish six innings in 62 games. Clay Holmes was the last to do it on June 7th.
Of course once McLean was out of the game Reed Garrett and Ryan Helsley combined to give up five runs in the final two innings but thankfully the team had a big enough lead where it did not matter.
Bullpen aside it was a much-needed, feel-good win in what is usually a house of horrors for the Mets. Hopefully this is a win they can build off of as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.
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Big Mets winner: Nolan McLean +13.0% WPA and Juan Soto +13.0% WPA
Big Mets loser: None
Mets pitchers: +13.0% WPA
Mets hitters: +37.0% WPA
Teh aw3s0mest play: Cedric Mullins RBI triple in third
Teh sux0rest play: Nacho Alvarez Jr. double in third
