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Following the New York Mets sweep of the San Diego Padres, the blue and orange went on the road to take on the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers.
The Mets bats were on fire in game one as they combined to put up 22 hits, five of which were for extra bases, and the blue and orange won 14-2.
The Rangers used a five-run bottom of the fifth to take a 6-2 lead in game two, but the Mets chipped away at the defending champs lead and took the lead at the top of the ninth courtesy of a double from Pete Alonso. The Polar Bear’s double would be the difference maker as the blue and orange took game two 7-6.
After being tied through five innings, Alonso appeared to have come up clutch again by clubbing a two-run home run in the top of the sixth to give the Mets a 3-1 lead, but the Rangers would answer with two runs in the following two innings to take game three 5-3.
Francisco Álvarez looks comfortable again with the Mets
Francisco Álvarez looks comfortable at the plate again. After going 2-for-14 in his first four games back from getting surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb, the 22-year-old broke out in Texas. Álvarez went 7-for-13 in the series with a double and four RBIs.
With the Venezuela native’s bat reawakening, Luis Torrens — who has been swinging a pretty hot bat himself — may struggle to get consistent playing time.
Luis Severino gets hit hard
After not looking quite right in his previous start against the Miami Marlins but still managing to throw six innings of one-run ball, Luis Severino got hit hard against the Rangers. Severino went 6.1 innings, allowing eight hits, six runs, and a walk while striking out a batter.
The 30-year-old has been the Mets’ ace in the first half and will need to bounce back if the blue and orange hope to continue their playoff pursuit.
Mark Vientos continues to prove he belongs in the Majors
Arguably, no Met has made more of his opportunities this season than Mark Vientos. Vientos had another strong showing against the Rangers, going 6-for-13 with a double, a home run, and an RBI.
The Connecticut native will look to continue making an impact as the Mets’ everyday third baseman. If he continues to perform well, the Mets may consider trading Brett Baty to address other needs.
