What a big night for New York Mets rookie T.J. Rivera, who hit his first big league homerun at just the right time. After being ahead of the Washington Nationals 3 – 1, a bumbled throw by Jose Reyes opened the door for the Nationals to tie the game.
It was in the top of the 10th inning when T.J. Rivera got his shot to do what most rookies who are eager to play in the big leagues are waiting to do – play a pivotal role in the Mets game. With a count of 0-2 and only one out, with the Nationals’ Mark Melancon on the mound, Rivera hit a long ball and put the Mets ahead 4 – 3.
“All of us come to the park ready to play,” says T.J. Rivera in an interview. “And when you see your name, that’s when it’s time to get to work.”
And work he did. That homerun wasn’t T.J. Rivera’s only contribution to the game. The Bronx native hit in three runs overall, really making an impression on the team. Rivera will hopefully be sticking around for awhile, but I said that about Brandon Nimmo when he first came up. His attitude was infectious, but his stay was short and he continues to bounce back and forth from majors to minors.
Noah Syndergaard started the game for the Mets and pitched a dominating seven innings, only allowing four hits and striking out 10. Syndergaard’s stellar pitching lowered his era to 2.43 on the season, second in the national league. Addison Reed pitched a good eighth, striking out two, but it was Jeurys Familia, who was on the mound in the bottom of the ninth, and blew a 3-1 lead along with Reyes’ bad throw.
Of course, the game would come down to one last out and a man on first with the Mets facing former teammate Daniel Murphy. Jerry Blevins finished the game by striking Murphy out who was, uncharacteristically, way out in front of the pitches. Blevins earned his third save of his career
Later today, the Mets and the Washington Nationals face off in the rubber game of the series, with the Mets putting Robert Gsellman on the mound. Gsellman is struggling a bit, but has an impressive 90mph sinker. However he’s given up five runs in his first three big league outings combined, and allowed four in a no-decision last time out against the Braves.
The Nationals are starting Tanner Roark. The Mets are favored to win the game, but Tanner Roark could be a dark horse in this battle. He’s a really strong pitcher, ranking in the top 10 in the Majors in pitcher’s WAR (4.9 — 8th), ERA (2.85 — 8th) and innings pitched (186 1/3 — 10th).
The Mets have climbed from the bottom of the wild card fight to second place and are breathing down the necks of the San Francisco Giants, who have struggled in their last 10 games, and have a 5-5 record. The Mets have fought a hard fight, winning 8 out of their last 10 games. They obviously aren’t going to catch the Nationals for the division championship, but they are definitely the strongest contender for that wild card spot.
While we wait to see if the Mets will extend their 2016 season, the front office has already announced next year’s schedule (is it bad luck to talk about next year before this year is over?).
The club will open the 2017 regular season with a six-game homestand, starting on Monday, April 3 vs. Atlanta. The series against the Braves will continue on Wednesday, April 5 and Thursday, April 6. The Miami Marlins then visit Citi Field for the first weekend series of the season, Friday, April 7-Sunday, April 9. The Mets will play NL East opponents the entire month of April.
Highlights of the 2017 home schedule include:
Opening Day at Citi Field, April 3 vs. the Atlanta Braves.
Subway Series vs. the New York Yankees, August 16-17 at Citi Field and August 14-15 at Yankee Stadium.
Memorial Day, May 29 vs. the Milwaukee Brewers.
Interleague Series at Citi Field include: the Angels (May 19-21), the A’s (July 21-23) and the Rangers (August 8-9).
Rematch of the 2015 NLCS vs. the Chicago Cubs, June 12-14.
Father’s Day, June 18 vs. the Washington Nationals.
Weekend Series vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, August 4-6.
Labor Day, September 4 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies.
The 2017 schedule will feature the return of popular weekend themes; Free Shirt Fridays, Super Saturdays and Family Sundays. A full list of promotions for 2017 will be announced at a later date.
