Every series the Mets play against the Nationals seems to follow the same exact script: In no particular order, one game is a total blowout where the Mets get destroyed, one game is a frustrating affair in which the Mets get completely shut down on offense and blow a bunch of opportunities (these are usually against Gio Gonzalez) and the third game is either an inspiring win, or a crushing defeat where the Mets blow a lead. If it’s a four-game series, it might have both of those!
This series, however, was only two games, so only two of those types of games could fit into this series. And since the Mets are not good enough to even hold a lead over Washington, let alone beat them in an inspiring manner, that means these two games could only reflect the first two types of games mentioned there: the blowout and the frustrating loss. Tuesday night was the blowout, and yesterday, Gio Gonzalez didn’t pitch, but the Mets were still frustratingly shut-down by *checks notes* Tommy Milone.
Yes, that Tommy Milone.
The Mets mustered just one run on three hits in seven innings against literally Tommy Milone. He somehow struck out nine, which was the most batters he had struck out in a game since May 1, 2013. His game score of 76 was also his best since July 19, 2016.
And that one run the Mets scored against him was, of course, a solo home run hit by new Staff Ace Jose Reyes. It was his first of two homers on the day, raising his OPS all the way up to .549. His .191 batting average is now the closest it’s been to the Mendoza line all season, and I wish I was kidding. I’m not. This is the highest that both his OPS and average have been all season.
On the mound, Noah Syndergaard returned from hand, foot and mouth disease and struggled out of the gate, giving up a run in the bottom of the first, and then two more in the third on an Anthony Rendon homer. But Syndergaard settled down from there, retiring the next 12 hitters he faced and getting through the seventh without allowing any more runs to cross. The strikeout stuff wasn’t there — he only fanned four — but the velocity was back, which is a great sign that everything is back to normal and Syndergaard is free of the gross kiddie germs.
Not much else happened in this game worth discussing. Seth Lugo is still the only good reliever left on the team. Juan Soto aided Wilmer Flores into a home run. Austin Jackson looks like a waste.
It’s not gonna get any prettier, folks.
OTHER NEWS OF THE DAY
Steven Matz is experiencing the proverbial “forearm tightness.” Whooaa boy.
Tim Peterson was optioned for Noah Syndergaard’s spot on the roster.
WHAT’S NEXT
If you still care, the Mets return home and welcome in the Braves tonight for a four-game set at 7:10 p.m. ET. Jason Vargas goes against Mike Foltynewicz. Hey, both guys have been All-Stars in the last two years.
Photo credit: Brad Mills – USA Today Sports