Good morning, I’m Dan Gartland. A big thanks to the Mets for defeating the Orioles twice this week, allowing the Yankees to reclaim first place.
In today’s SI:AM:
🏴☠️ Bucs camp report
🏴 Lucy Bronze’s return to England
🏈 A college football rarity
Back in June, the New York Mets seemed on track for yet another disappointing season. After suffering a 4–2 loss to the Miami Marlins on June 11, their record fell to 28–37, leaving them 17.5 games off the pace in the NL East. Fangraphs’ playoff probabilities calculated their postseason chances at just 12.1%, ranking them third-lowest in the National League.
If this were a screenplay, it would be the moment to say the Mets have dramatically turned things around and risen to first place. However, that’s not the reality. While the Mets have shown some improvement, it hasn’t been a spectacular leap. Their current record stands at 66–61, and Fangraphs now gives them a 25.2% chance of playing in October. Even if they fall short of a wild card spot, they are enjoying the pursuit.
This week in Queens, New York took two of three from the Baltimore Orioles, with both wins secured by walk-off home runs, creating two unforgettable moments this MLB season. The first came from Francisco Alvarez on Monday night, who capped his moment with a celebration that will go down in history. Then on Wednesday, it was Jesse Winker’s time to shine, as he hit a knee-high fastball from Seranthony Domínguez over the left-center wall.
Both home runs exemplified the excitement of a game-winning play: a jubilant celebration from the player, an exhilarating call from the broadcast team, and the electric response from the home crowd. Although the Mets still have challenges ahead—their victory, combined with a loss from the Atlanta Braves, has brought New York within 1.5 games of the final NL wild card spot—their opportunity to compete makes moments like this week’s engaging. The Mets and their fans are clinging to a glimmer of hope for a postseason run.
They successfully attracted nearly 33,000 fans to the ballpark on a Wednesday afternoon and were rewarded with a thrilling win that will be remembered for years to come.
The past few years have been quite unusual for the Mets. Under billionaire Steve Cohen’s leadership, they achieved 101 wins in 2022, yet they lost the division tiebreaker to the Braves after being swept in Atlanta during the season’s final week. Subsequently, they fell to an 89-win San Diego Padres team in the wild card series. Following that season, the Mets made bold moves in the free-agent market, culminating in a record $319.5 million payroll. Unfortunately, the season deteriorated rapidly, leading to the trade of several key players at the deadline. They concluded the season with a 75–87 record. With no significant free-agent acquisitions this winter, it seemed unlikely that the Mets would mount a serious playoff push in 2024, especially considering their sluggish start.
However, they have managed to turn things around, going 38–24 over 62 games, placing them back in the playoff conversation. Nevertheless, much work remains. The wild card race in the NL is highly competitive, with the Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks currently tied for the top two positions at 72–56. The Braves occupy the third and final slot at 67–59, followed by the Mets just 1.5 games behind and the San Francisco Giants 3.5 games back. Additionally, the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds are also in close proximity.
The upcoming week is pivotal for the Mets’ playoff aspirations. They kick off a 10-game road trip on Thursday night, featuring seven games against the top two wild card teams, the Padres and Diamondbacks. They will also have a chance to secure victories in a three-game series against the struggling Chicago White Sox. By the time they return to New York on Labor Day, the playoff landscape should be much clearer.
Moss finally gets his moment in the spotlight after backing up Caleb Williams for two years. / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
… here are some observations from yesterday:
5. The meme displayed on the scoreboard after the Mets’ victory over the Orioles.
4. Nolan Arenado’s <a class="tagStyle_16dbupz-o_O-style_aoxits" href="https
On a remarkable day, the Cardinals celebrated a walk-off grand slam. However, the turnout was quite low, with only 29,850 fans attending the game at Busch Stadium. This marked the first instance in the stadium’s history (excluding the pandemic season) where attendance dipped below 30,000.
3. The reception that was given to Royals World Series hero Johnny Cueto by fans in Kansas City after he exited his debut start with the Angels was notable.
2. Tina Charles scored 12 points, enabling her to secure the second position on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list.
1. Aaron Judge hit two homers against the Guardians, bringing his total to 47 for the season. He is on track to hit 60 home runs for the second time in his career.
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Thank You Mets: A Week of Thrilling Walk-Offs and Rising Hope for Yankees Fans
The world of Major League Baseball is often unpredictable, but one thing has been clear over the past week: the New York Mets have provided an unexpected burst of excitement that has left Yankees fans buzzing with hope. With a series of thrilling walk-offs, the Mets have not only captured the spotlight but have ignited enthusiasm among Yankees supporters looking for signs of resurgence in their own team. This article explores the recent Mets walk-offs, the implications for the Yankees, and tips for fans to remain optimistic throughout the remainder of the season.
Recent Mets Walk-Off Highlights
The New York Mets recently showcased their talent and resilience through a series of dramatic walk-off victories. Below are some notable games that caught the attention of baseball fans:
- Game 1: Mets vs. Braves - In a nail-biting finish, the Mets clinched a victory with a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth.
- Game 2: Mets vs. Phillies – A walk-off single brought home the winning run, igniting the home crowd and boosting team morale.
- Game 3: Mets vs. Nationals – A spectacular walk-off double in extra innings highlighted the Mets’ fighting spirit.
Table of Recent Walk-Offs
| Date | Opponent | Winning Play | Player of the Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 1, 2023 | Braves | 2-run Home Run | Francisco Lindor |
| October 3, 2023 | Phillies | Walk-off Single | Jeff McNeil |
| October 5, 2023 | Nationals | Extra-Inning Double | Pete Alonso |
The Ripple Effect on Yankees Fans
The excitement surrounding the Mets’ recent successes has had a profound effect on Yankees fans. As the Mets create memorable moments, Yankees supporters are reminded that thrilling baseball is still possible, even in a challenging season. Here are a few ways the Mets’ performance impacts the Yankees:
- Increased Competition: The Mets’ winning streak adds pressure on the Yankees to elevate their game and remain competitive in the AL East.
- Fan Engagement: The excitement generated by the Mets can reinvigorate Yankees fans, driving them to attend games and support their team with renewed passion.
- Hope for Comebacks: Watching the Mets overcome adversity sends a message of resilience that Yankees fans can latch onto, especially with critical games approaching.
Benefits of Following the Mets’ Success
Embracing the Mets’ thrilling performances can bring multiple benefits to Yankees fans:
- Inspiration: The Mets exemplify the importance of hard work and determination. Witnessing this can inspire fans to remain hopeful for their own team’s performance.
- Community Spirit: The camaraderie among baseball fans, regardless of team allegiance, can foster a sense of community, allowing fans to share in the joys and sorrows of the game together.
- Understanding the Game: Analyzing the strategies and tactics employed by the Mets during their walk-offs can provide Yankees fans with deeper insights into the sport.
Practical Tips for Yankees Fans
As the season progresses, Yankees fans can take proactive steps to maintain their enthusiasm and support their team:
Stay Informed
Keep up with Yankees’ news, player performances, and upcoming games. Use reputable sports news websites and follow the Yankees on social media for the latest updates.
Engage with Other Fans
Join fan clubs, participate in discussions on forums, or engage with fellow fans on social media platforms. Sharing insights and experiences can enhance your enjoyment of the game.
Attend Games
Nothing beats the live-game experience. Purchase tickets and attend games at Yankee Stadium to show your support and enjoy the atmosphere.
Case Studies of Recent Comebacks
The concept of resilience isn’t new to baseball. Here are some notable case studies of other teams that have faced adversity and come back stronger:
2021 Atlanta Braves
The Braves experienced a rocky start in the 2021 season, losing key players to injury. However, they rallied to win the World Series, showcasing the power of unity and determination.
2019 Washington Nationals
After a slow start, the Nationals transformed their season and went on to win the World Series, demonstrating that resilience can lead to unexpected success.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
I recently attended a Yankees game during a week when the Mets were making headlines. The energy in the stadium was palpable, with discussions revolving around the Mets’ thrilling walk-offs. Fans expressed a mix of excitement and envy, illustrating how the Mets’ success had ignited a competitive spirit among Yankees supporters. The shared passion for baseball, regardless of team loyalties, created an unforgettable atmosphere as everyone rallied around the sport they love.
Conclusion: The Thrill of Baseball
While the Mets have been making headlines with their thrilling walk-offs, Yankees fans are reminded that baseball is full of surprises and hope. The excitement generated by the Mets can serve as a source of inspiration, igniting the passion within the Yankees fanbase. As both teams strive for success, the beauty of baseball lies in its unpredictability, and the moments of exhilaration that keep fans coming back for more.
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